Back in 1884, Maurice Viele had the busiest hardware store in the state, right at the foot of State Street in Albany:
“The hardware store of Maurice E. Viele, Nos. 39, 41 and 43 State st., is one of the busiest places in Albany, inasmuch as his assortment of this kind of goods is as large and comprehensive as any in the entire state, not excepting New York city, no single house in the metropolis carrying so many departments. Mr. Viele began business in 1845, having, in connection with the late Alexander Davidson, in that year bought out the old and well-known firm of M. Van Alstyne & Son, then doing business cor. State and Green sts.”
Viele had various partners and bought out various other small stores through the years. His store operated under the names Davidson & Viele; Viele & Clark; Viele, Coles & Woodruff; and Maurice E. Viele.
“In 1879 he leased the premises No. 39 State st., and the firm now occupies all the buildings stated. They are five stories, the first being devoted to retailing; on the second are samples for the wholesale trade which is a prominent department, several salesmen being constantly upon the road taking orders for this house in this and adjoining states. The upper stories are devoted to storage, and besides, Nos. 1, 2 and 4 Norton st. are stocked with bar and sheet iron, tin, etc. The many really beautiful articles now embraced in the hardware trade make attractive the large show windows in which the display is constantly changing.”
In 1891, after 46 years in business, he sold the business to the new Albany Hardware and Iron Company, “together with all merchandise, fixtures, and good-will.”
“The Albany Hardware and Iron Company, who were incorporated June 17, solicit a continuance of the favors so generously bestowed on their predecessor, which they will endeavor to merit by close and prompt attention to the wants of the trade…
“The business will be conducted in the premises formerly occupied by Mr. Viele, which have been continuously employed as a Hardware stand since the year 1797. The announcement of the company will be observed on another page, in which they solicit quotations for Hardware and kindred goods, Nails, Bar and Sheet Iron and other Metals.”
This building is, sadly, long gone, but Albany Hardware’s next location remains one of Albany’s landmarks: you’ll know it as the U-Haul building on Broadway right along the river.