Smith & Hardwick
Smith & Hardwick was a book store which operated from 1934 to 2004. Founded by Murray Smith and James Hardwick, the store was billed as the "largest bookstore in the South". It was originally located in the Clark Building at 406-408 20th Street North, and was open six days a week from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
On August 28, 1947 a record shop called Stairway to Music opened inside Smith & Hardwick. It was operated by Smith in partnership with Frank Butler Jr and Howard Friedel. The shop specialized in "truly fine music" including classical, popular, show tunes and juvenile recordings. Patrons were invited to browse and listen in the store. At that time, the store hours were 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily.
In 1954 sisters Virginia and Anna Praytor, who both taught in Birmingham City Schools, bought the store from its founders. They stocked a wide range of children's books, and offered a 20% discount for books purchased for school or classroom libraries. They also hosted numerous literary events, including an annual "Books and Authors Luncheon" which coincided with the Birmingham Festival of Arts. Gene Crutcher worked at Smith & Hardwick before opening his own store in Five Points South in 1962.
Anna continued to run the business after Virginia died in 1974. Though the shelves and stacks appeared cluttered, she was known for being able to locate any title. As the business matured, it specialized more in hard-to-find technical books, serving a regional clientele.
After Anna Praytor died in 1989, long-time store manager Allen Shaffer took over the business. He relocated the store to 3900 Clairmont Avenue in Forest Park in 1990. After Shaffer suffered a stroke in 2004 the business was closed.
References
- Fulman, Lynn Grisard (November 1983) "Book Browsers See Treasures, Not Clutter" Magic City News