Smith & Hardwick

Smith & Hardwick was a book store which operated from 1934 to 2004. Billed as the "largest bookstore in the South", it was originally located in the Clark Building at 406-408 20th Street North. The store was open six days a week from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.

In the 1950s Smith & Hardwick was purchased by sisters Virginia and Anna Praytor, who both taught in Birmingham City Schools. They offered a 20% discount for books purchased for school or classroom libraries, and hosted the annual "Books and Authors Luncheon" during the Birmingham Festival of Arts.

Gene Crutcher worked at Smith & Hardwick before opening his own store.

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.