LA To Honor A Historical Hardware Store And The Family That’s Owned It For Generations

An intersection in Eagle Rock will be designated as “Tritch Family Square” in honor of one of the longest-running businesses that’s been described by customers as a cornerstone of the community.

The L.A. City Council voted Friday to approve new permanent ceremonial signs for the intersection of Colorado Boulevard and Townsend Avenue, where Tritch True Value Hardware has sat for more than 70 years.

Glenn Tritch, the third-generation current owner and operator, told LAist it’s an honor that’s long overdue.

“We are so entwined in the fabric of this town, it is mind boggling sometimes,” he said.

History and hardware

In the tan, two-story unassuming building, customers are welcomed like old friends, and that’s because most of them are.

A pair of framed family photos behind the register at Tritch Hardware store. On the right, a portrait of George Tritch, the current owner's great-great-grandfather. On the left, a depiction of the family's first hardware store, which George Tritch opened in Colorado in 1859.

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Makenna Sievertson

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LAist

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The very first Tritch Hardware opened in 1859 just outside Denver, Colorado by Glenn Tritch’s great-great-grandfather, George Tritch. When some of the family moved to Los Angeles after World War II, his descendant Stuart Tritch opened up a new location on Colorado Boulevard.

“Trust me, I mean, we've seen a lot of changes here,” Glenn Tritch said. “But we're one of the few constants.”

When Stuart Tritch passed away, the store was passed down to his sons, who in turn handed it down to their sons. Glenn Tritch started working there in 2002, and he said he’s seen customers’ children grow up from behind the counter, at least until they’re old enough to start shopping there too.

Community of customers

Escott Norton, a former Eagle Rock resident, told LAist that five generations of his family have spent time at Tritch Hardware.

“They're a pretty important part of my life,” he said.

Norton’s grandfather started shopping there soon after the store opened, and he said they’ve kept the tradition going because of the Tritch family’s unique knowledge and service.

Glenn Tritch poses behind the counter at Tritch True Value Hardware in Eagle Rock on Friday, March 15, 2024.

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Makenna Sievertson

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LAist

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Bonnie Denbleyker told LAist that her husband, Charlie Denbleyker, once stopped at the store for supplies, only to realize he didn’t have a way to get them home.

“One of [Tritch’s] sons handed my husband his keys to his truck and said ‘here, take mine,’” Denbleyker said. “Where can you get service like that?”

Standing the test of time

In a world that’s constantly changing, Glenn Tritch said their business is built on talking to people, and that’s part of what’s made them a neighborhood staple.

An old fashioned metal mechanical scale in Tritch Hardware, still working and certified by L.A. County.

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Makenna Sievertson

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LAist

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The back entrance of Tritch Hardware store in Eagle Rock.

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Makenna Sievertson

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LAist

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A photo of Merritt Tritch, Glenn Tritch's late father, overlooking the Tritch Hardware store towards the back entrance.

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Makenna Sievertson

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LAist

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A wooden wire cutter Glenn Tritch said his uncle bought from an electrician in the 1940s for $5, which is still working and certified by L.A. County.

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Makenna Sievertson

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LAist

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“Most of the time when somebody comes in here, they have a problem and they need to get it fixed,” he said. “So if we can help them solve their problem, and talk to them, and maybe even lighten their mood a little bit by, you know, having a conversation, even telling them a joke or so, get them to chuckle or laugh or whatever, I feel like we've done our job.”

The shop is small, and the floor plan hasn’t been updated since the ‘70s, so lost customers stick out like a sore thumb. But Glenn Tritch said interacting with people and hearing about their projects is their priority, and that’s how a lot of shoppers have turned into something more.

They still keep track of the monthly billing system by-hand and a more than century old receipt is framed on the wall from the original Denver location. Distinct relics are also scattered throughout the store, including a metal mechanical scale and a wooden wire cutter Glenn Tritch said his uncle bought from an electrician for $5, both still working and certified by L.A. County.

And while Glenn Tritch said he knows their time is finite, “Tritch Family Square” will continue their legacy, even if the store is gone.

“That sign will be there to mark that our family, this business, was here,” he said.