Visitors to coastal New Bern (North Carolina's second oldest city) enjoy one of it's most popular traditions: Mitchell Hardware - located at 215 Craven Street in the historic downtown district.

Founded as a livery stable in 1898 by Thomas J. Mitchell, it specialized in selling horses, mules, wagons, and harnesses. Then, as now, it had the reputation of the place to find those "hard to find" items. As time passed, the Mitchell Business became a general hardware store. From that time until the present, it has met the needs of people in New Bern and Craven County for hardware items and much more. And now, thanks to the Internet, Mitchell's is accessible to the whole world!

This locally owned and managed hardware store was operated by a member of the Mitchell family from its founding until 1987. Thomas Mitchell IV, better known as "Buzz" retired due to ill health and sold the store to Harold and Pat Talton, long time residents of Craven County.

The Taltons decided to keep the Mitchell name and all of the good memories the name evoked among residents of the area. "Buzz" is still fondly remembered by many for his uncanny ability to locate every item in his crowded store and for his ever-present cigar. Much of his stock was stored in his cigar boxes. Today's manager, Greg Smith, still provides the same convenience and service to Mitchell Hardware customers that they have expected and received since 1898 - he has even saved a few cigar boxes.

Finding the tiny rented store a little small and overcrowded by the large inventory, the Taltons were pleased when a 1912 building became available across the street. They purchased and remodeled it to meet the needs of a modern hardware store, but sought to preserve the integrity of a genuine turn-of-the-century building, from the pressed tin ceilings to the leaded glass across the front. The move in 1988 was a busy time for all at Mitchell Hardware. With the help of employees, friends, and valued customers who pitched in to assist, the store never closed its doors.

Today, the friendly staff at Mitchell Hardware thinks you will like what you find in this unique store: from the old to the new in hardware items, a full line of cast iron cookware, traditional pottery, enamel ware, accessories for bird watchers, and much, much more.