Seitz-Agin Hardware to Close Its Doors Today

Seitz-Agin's last day is today. 

But you wouldn't know it the way the staff answered the phone. 

"Seitz-Agin Hardware," a man's voice said. 

But two weeks ago, there was an impromptu celebration to honor owner Joel Borwick and his staff for providing customers with more than just hardware and supplies. 

Borwick said people brought candy, cake, sang songs and read poetry. 

"I know nothing about it, and the next thing I know, it was just wild. It was pretty crazy. It was wonderful, really," Borwick said, who estimated that hundreds were there. "What an incredible group of people who live in this community. It was heartwarming … there were tears in my eyes."

For nearly 60 years, the hardware store has not only sold materials and resources to customers who are working on their homes, but also provided suggestions to homeowners about what they need and advice on who to call for assistance, according to the on our first article about the store's closing. 

"Then in 1990, we bought a home nearer Cedar Lee, and it wouldn't be operable were it not for Joel and staff who had what we needed and advised us on what else we would need to complete the various projects," said Susan Miller in the comments. 

Others chimed in. 

"Being a single female homeowner and quite a dunce at home repair, I have relied on the friendly and wise advice of the Seitz-Agin guys for many years," Anne Wilson said. 

In May, Borwick estimated that they'd , and throughout the month they've been having huge sales. 

Borwick, who has run the store for the past 38 years, said he will take the summer off and think about his next "new, exciting adventure."

But he repeatedly said thank you to the people of Cleveland Heights. 

"It was a spontaneous love fest right here," Borwick said of the party a few weeks ago. "It was beyond anything I could have dreamt of, and it was because of the wonderful people in this town and the many friends I've made."