The Concerned Citizens of Lincoln County have selected Spratlin Hardware & Building Supply Inc. as its business of the month for March.

It is the groups desire to recognize local merchants and businesses that remain the backbone of Lincoln County.

Spratlin Hardware & Building Supply Co., Inc., founded by John Webb Spratlin in 1920, was first called Lincolnton Implement Company. Its first location was in the building now occupied by Goldman and Wengrow. It moved to its present location in 1942 and the named changed to Spratlin Hardware. From 1920 until the midsixites Spratlin's was an International Harvester dealership serving Lincoln and surrounding counties.

The business was managed by John Webb Spratlin, Sr. with help from his wife, Lucia Ward Spratlin until his death in 1967. It was then managed by Mildred Ward Morris (a cousin) and her husband, Bill until the mid-eighties. At that time John W. Spratlin Jr., Marcus Ward Spratlin, and Rosalyn Spratlin Hawkins saw to the daily activities of the store. Roy Turman worked along side the family for sixty-five years until his death in 1992. Mamie Neil Reed was bookkeeper from 1983 until 1998.

Presently, the business is managed by Marcus Ward Spratlin, Jr., President. Other family members involved in operations include John W. Spratlin, III, Glen Russell Spratlin, John W. Spratlin IV, Marcux Ward Spratlin III, and Fran Saggus Spratlin. Spratlin's employs ten full-time and several part-time positions.

Spratlin Hardware is one of the many companies in Lincoln County that fully supports its community. It is a member of the Lincolnton/ Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce, supports local churches and school activities, and the Lincoln County Historical Society.

The goal of Spratlin Hardware is to grow along with Lincoln County and to provide a location where local residents can pruchase supplies at fair and competitive prices. It strives to keep the hometown atmosphere where people feel at home while keeping up to date with the lastest products and supplies needed by the do-it-yourselfer and the residential and commercial builder or subcontractor.

In an effort to help our local companies and our county grow, the CCLC encourages all of the citizens of Lincoln County to shop and buy locally.