Charlie Spaeth relocates hardware business to Red Barn on North Shore Dr.
By Rory Ryan
The Highland County Press
ROCKY FORK LAKE – The owner of a longtime Lynchburg hardware store has relocated to the well-known “Red Barn” on North Shore Drive at Rocky Fork Lake.
Charlie Spaeth recently purchased the Red Barn and its 1.87 acres at 10780 North Shore Drive, just east of Hillsboro.
For the past two decades, Mr. Spaeth has owned and operated the Murphy-Benham Hardware Store on South Main Street in Lynchburg. For many area contractors and “do-it-yourselfers,” the Murphy Hardware Store – which dates to 1897 – was known as the place to find the parts and supplies that were hard to find at many other stores.
Mr. Spaeth, with help from family members, transferred the Lynchburg business inventory to the Red Barn, which is now a full-service hardware store with an impressive array of tools, hoses, containers and equipment – including a keymaking station.
Mr. Spaeth is confident that Paint Township residents and Rocky Fork Lake State Park campers and boaters will appreciate having the local business so close to the lake. He also plans to have a propane refueling station on site.
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“I’m so happy with this,” Mr. Spaeth told The Highland County Press on Friday, March 27. “I really enjoy being here. The people have been wonderful.”
Mr. Spaeth said that he and his wife recently had dinner at Beechwood Pizza, owned by Tim Rosselott.
“We heard they had great hoagies, so we went over for dinner,” Mr. Spaeth said. “Everything was real good, but it was too much for us. Before we could pay, the owner came over and said he’d taken care of our dinner and welcomed us to the area. That was really nice.
“Members of the Rocky Fork Alliance also have welcomed us to the lake. They tell me there are 7,500 people around the lake year-round and 10,000 here during the summer months,” Mr. Spaeth said. “I just can’t say enough about the people and how friendly they are. They come in and shop around and are very nice.”
The Red Barn, remembered by many as the former AmVets building, has approximately 6,000 square feet, not all of which is currently being used as a hardware store. Mr. Spaeth said he has had inquiries about leasing some of the additional space, but has no immediate plans to do so.
With decades of business experience, the energetic owner is a youthful 79 years old. He has many words of wisdom for his customers, including: “Opportunity is always knocking, but some people never hear it.”
This past winter, Mr. Spaeth cut short a Florida vacation because he was ready to get back to his hardware business. “I’ve been so fortunate to have had good health and I love working,” he said. “I tell people, ‘Life is to enjoy and today is the day to enjoy it.’ I enjoy working.”
The new hardware store is open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and for part of the day on Sunday. As the lake’s summer season arrives, Mr. Spaeth said they will extend the hours to 8:30 p.m.
For information, stop by 10780 North Shore Drive or call (937) 763-5066.