Just like the first one, Glenn offering me a dog. But now Lakewood Hardware has a whole
line of clothing the same color as the relish! Other Day-Glo colors as well!
I have had the pleasure of knowing the entire Palmer Family for some time. They are just
such a total Lakewood Family it is spectacular. Old Man Palmer, had three butcher shops,
two on Madison one at Kamm's Corners back in the day of trolleys. Brother John heads up
Lakewood's Tree Task Force, and can be all over town helping people with trees, gardens,
plants and other adjustments.
At the height of the recession as small stores were failing all over the country, especially in
inner ring suburbs, Glenn said, "Lakewood needs a real hardware store. While many rolled
their eyes, Glenn and family just did it. Today it is nearly impossible to think of life without
Lakewood Hardware. Even harder would be to imagine all the things happening without
the support of Glenn and Lakewood Hardware. From finding stuff no one has, to
constructing the doghouse prizes for the first Spooky Pooch Parade, Lakewood Hardware
was there and continues to be.
Well enough about them, this was about us, the customers.
Glenn Palmer, there are not enough nice words to describe Glen, his crew and entire family. To have the balls to open a small hardware at the height of the recession and big box take over was insane. Lakewood is so much better for his efforts. Thank you.
OK one last thing.
Blues Party Jam, Chris Vance on bass, Tim Lane on drums, Joe Blues on guitar. The
amount of talent under the tent there is pretty staggering. Any one of these would be
headlining in most clubs on their own. Together, it was a surprising backyard trio, the
music was amazing.
Photo of Bob Salem, of Bob's Appliance. "Bob show me a rib before you eat it." click, "No,
Bob show me the rib before you eat it." click, "No Bob, before you eat it!" click...
Chris with his "bass player face" on.
As they break into some classic Hendrix.
Tim Lane on the "Green Drum Kit."
Lakewood native, and relator John Craighhead gets a big thank you from Glenn.
Lakewood at its best. All three of us grew up within a block or two of each other, talk of
the old days runs deep!
Chris Palmer of Cutting Loose aka better-half of the Glenn, and her parents enjoy some
perfectly played Jimi Hendrix from "Are You Experienced?"
Nice flow around the food all day.
As I came back from Madison Park, I notice the police had pulled up. You got to love a
store owner that throws a good old style get-the-police-called-party! Yeah!
Chris, "No this is a party, at 2 in the afternoon, we are thanking our customers..." The
Police Officer, "You got me wrong, I like the rock music. It is your neighbors, the bass in
knocking dishes off their walls. I suggested writing the bass player a ticket. I thought a
great photo op Chris getting ticketed for wicked bass lines. Officer, "No."
So as the party slowed down, the entertainment again returned to the food supplied by Mama Lola's Pizza and Ribs, Lakewood Hardware Wieners, and delicious chili from Katie!
Lakewood Hardware, Cutting Loose Salon, Vance Music, Mama Lola's Pizza and Ribs, thank
you for the great party, and to the Palmer Family, thank you for all you do.
More Photos at:
http://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs/jim-obryan/lakewood-hardwares-customer-appreciation-day-2014
.