Campbell Hardware celebrates 75th anniversary

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ROBERTSDALE, Alabama — Campbell’s Hardware & Sporting Goods celebrated 75 years at the same location, hosting an outdoor gathering on Friday, April 23 for members of the community.

“My father once told me that if you take care of the community, the community will always take care of you,” said owner Nelson Wingo. “It is because of you that we are here, so this day is to celebrate you.”

Founded in 1946, Leonard Campbell and William L. Wingo started the business in downtown Robertsdale with only three employees.

In the early 70s, Wingo bought out the business from his cousin and his son, John Nelson Wingo Sr., took over operations in 1974, increasing the sporting goods department to what it is today while expanding the business to include more than 15 employees.

Wingo returned home to take over the family business in 1974 and now employs 15 full and part-time employees.

“If you had told me I would still be here when I came back in 1974, I don’t think I would have believed you,” Wingo said. “Our employees have become like family and this community has become like family and we plan on being here for year’s to come.”

Wingo was presented with a proclamation declaring Friday, April 23, 2021 as Campbell Hardware Day in the City of Robertsdale.

Wingo also presented certificates of appreciation to two employees, Emory Steadham, who has served as head gunsmith in sporting goods since 1983, and assistant manager Mack Bryan, who has served the business since 1985.

Wingo also recognized his family, including his wife Cindy, daughter Ashley Kucera, who serves as office manager and is in charge of Sporting Goods for the business. Daughter Bridgett Wingo and son John Nelson Wingo Jr. have also helped run the store through the years.

“I particularly want to thank my daughter Ashley who joined the business 13 years ago,” he said. “She is my right-hand girl. I couldn’t do this without her.”

In 2017, the business received the Small Business of the Year Generations Award from the Central Baldwin Chamber of Commerce and waw awarded Alabama’s Small Business of the Year Gold Award in 2018.

The event was catered by L.A. Catering of Summerdale.