A Message to Our Community
Some places are more than businesses. They become part of a community’s identity.
D.E. Turner & Co. Hardware will be sold.
Today, with permission from those closest to D.E. Turner & Co. Hardware, we share news that we know will be difficult for many in our community.
After serving the Mooresville community since 1899, D.E. Turner & Co. Hardware will be sold.
For 127 years, D.E. Turner & Co. Hardware has been far more than a hardware store. It has been a gathering place, a trusted source of knowledge, and a cornerstone of downtown Mooresville. It is where generations of families found not only the tools and supplies they needed, but also friendly conversations, familiar faces, and the kind of personal service that has become increasingly rare.
For many, walking through the doors of D.E. Turner felt like stepping back in time. The creaking wooden floors, the towering shelves, the smell of wood and hardware, and the welcoming atmosphere made every visit memorable. It wasn’t simply a stop along Main Street. It was an experience that became part of growing up in Mooresville.
Much of that experience was shaped by the late Jack Edgar Moore, who began working at D.E. Turner as a teenager in the 1940s before eventually purchasing the historic business. Jack dedicated much of his life to preserving not only the store itself, but also the traditions, values, and personal service that made it one of Mooresville’s most beloved landmarks. His commitment ensured that generations of residents could continue to enjoy a place that felt unchanged in the very best way.
Over the past several months, many of you have followed our history series featuring Nancy as she shared fascinating stories about D.E. Turner and its remarkable past. Those stories reminded us that this building represents so much more than hardware. It represents generations of families, lifelong friendships, hometown memories, and a rich history that has become woven into the fabric of Mooresville.
We know this announcement will come as a surprise to many and will undoubtedly be met with sadness. We also understand that this decision has been an emotional one for those closest to the business. Out of respect for everyone involved, today we simply want to recognize the significance of this moment while celebrating the extraordinary legacy of a business that has faithfully served our community for generations.
Businesses may change. Ownership may change. Buildings may change. But the memories created inside D.E. Turner & Co. Hardware will always remain part of Mooresville’s story.
To everyone who has worked behind its counters, greeted customers with a smile, shared advice, carried on its traditions, and welcomed generations through its doors, thank you.
And to Jack Edgar Moore, thank you for the decades you devoted to preserving one of downtown Mooresville’s greatest treasures. Your legacy lives on not only in the store you loved, but also in the countless lives you touched along the way.
As one chapter comes to a close, we hope the history, spirit, and legacy of D.E. Turner & Co. Hardware will continue to inspire future generations. Places like this are rare, and their stories deserve to be remembered.
Now we’d love to hear from you.
What is your favorite memory of D.E. Turner & Co. Hardware?
Whether it was getting advice from Jack, listening to one of Nancy’s stories, finding the perfect tool, buying something with your parents or grandparents, or simply enjoying a visit to one of downtown Mooresville’s most iconic businesses, we’d love for you to share your memories in the comments.
Some places are never forgotten. D.E. Turner & Co. Hardware will always be one of them. ❤️
