Smith & Hardwick

Smith & Hardwick was a book store which operated from 1934 to 2004.

It was originally located in the Clark Building at 406-408 20th Street North and stayed open until 9:00 PM. In 1947 the shop hosted a tea for author Hudson Strode.

In the 1950s it 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.