Wisconsin's Most Historic Hardware Store!
WHAT WE DO
at Kickapoo Hardware, our goal is to provide our neighbors with the tools, hardware and supplies that they need to accomplish projects to keep their homes in tip top shape. We believe with the right tools for the job, everyone can find the DIY Hero within themselves!
Since the store's beginnings in 1875, folks in our area have been accustomed to friendly, helpful service conveniently located in downtown La Farge. We will carry on that tradition while we also strive to offer additional services and products that will be beneficial to our customers and make their projects easier.
We look forward to serving our friends, family, and neighbors in La Farge and the surrounding Kickapoo Valley for years to come!
WISCONSIN'S MOST HISTORIC HARDWARE STORE
The Birthplace of La Farge, Wisconsin
Kickapoo Hardware & Mercantile is honored to call the DeJean Building on the southwest corner of Main & State Streets in La Farge, Wisconsin its home. In 1853, Thomas DeJean was the first early settler to buy land at "The Corners" where two Native American trails crossed. In 1875, DeJean built a large two-story building at this location, now home of Kickapoo Hardware & Mercantile. Not only was this building the first to be built in what would become the Village of La Farge, it is literally the birthplace of La Farge! In 1899, a referendum to incorporate La Farge as a village was held in Neefe's Hall, a large room in the front of the second story of the DeJean building.
Over the years, the DeJean building has played a crucial role in the village. The first floor store front has been a general/hardware store for most of its nearly 150 years but in 1897, then owner Levi Millison sold furniture and offered undertaking services for a short period of time. Millison also rented the backroom of the hardware store to two women who operated a dress shop in 1898.
If the second story, known as Neefe's Hall since 1898, could tell stories they would be plentiful! In addition to the historic referendum in 1899, Neefe's Hall acted as a classroom for three grades at the turn of the century and crowds would gather there in the late 1930's to attend wrestling matches, traveling shows, and movies making this a favorite spot for community entertainment.
Today, Kickapoo Hardware & Mercantile continues the tradition of serving the community by offering a wide variety of products and services to our neighbors throughout the Kickapoo Valley. Folks are often surprised to realize that this little store has the tools and supplies needed for nearly any DIY project! If you haven't visited for a while, stop in. We would love to show you around!
Source: LA FARGE: THE STORY OF A KICKAPOO RIVER TOWN Volume 1 - From the Beginnings until the early 1960's by Brad Steinmetz
WHO WE ARE
Jim and Crystal (Dode) are just a couple of small town kids who never dreamed they would own a hardware store.
What led them to this point you ask? Well, in hindsight, it's pretty clear. If you ask either Jim or Crystal what they enjoy doing in their spare time they will probably tell you two things: DIY projects, and learning about historical items from days gone by. Considering this, what could be better than helping our friends find the right tools and supplies for their DIY projects, all from Wisconsin's Most Historic Hardware Store?
Both Jim and Dode have small town roots. Dode grew up right here in La Farge while Jim grew up a couple hours north in Tomahawk.
In addition to Kickapoo Hardware, the couple also owns and operates an Air BnB in Oshkosh and they are the Auctioneers/Owners of Bid City Auction Company (www.BidCityAuctionCompany.com)
EVERYDAY SOLUTIONS FOR DIY HEROES
