For more than a century, the iconic building at 309 8th Street in Marlinton stood as C.J. Richardson’s Hardware, a beloved family-owned store and a cornerstone of the community. Built in the early 1900s by C.J. Richardson near the C&O Railroad line, the hardware and furniture store quickly became known for its motto of “Fair Dealing” and an unwavering commitment to service, honesty, and hard work. If you couldn’t find it at Richardson’s, you probably didn’t need it.

For three generations, the Richardson family—C.J., his son Charles “Googie,” and grandson Terry—ran the store with pride. Inside, the building was a wonderland of bulk hardware bins, soaring ladders, worn wooden counters, and triangle-shaped drawers. The store ran on a handshake ethic and a vintage bookkeeping system still admired today. It was the kind of place where customers came not just to buy nails by the pound, but to talk, laugh, and connect.

Through floods, family transitions, and the changing tides of retail, the Richardson’s building remained a symbol of endurance and small-town spirit. Radios and televisions once brought neighbors together here to hear the latest news. A bassett hound named Bill became a store mascot. And behind the counter, generations of knowledge and kindness kept the shelves stocked and the doors open.

After the passing of Terry Richardson in 2020, the building’s future was uncertain—until Bob and Alison Safrit, along with Daniel McKee, envisioned a new chapter. Honoring the building’s past while inviting in the creative energy of a new generation, they transformed it into Rivertown. Many of the original architectural elements remain: the wooden shelves, hardware bins, and warm, nostalgic soul of the space.

Today, Rivertown carries forward the legacy of service and creativity that began over 100 years ago. While the tools may have changed, the mission remains the same: to serve the Marlinton community with heart, integrity, and purpose.