Our History
A Tradition of Service Since 1884

On February 22, 1884, George Hutchins made a purchase at S&F Sanford Company which had recently opened in an old mill near the junction of Roaring Brook and the Farmington River in Unionville.

Sanford & Hawley, Inc. 1885

The sale may not have been particularly noteworthy, as there is no record of the item purchased, but, unwittingly, Hutchins had begun a tradition of doing business with the "Red Store on the Corner". A tradition that still survives at Sanford & Hawley.

Frank Sanford (pictured far right) and portable sawmill in Lebanon, CT. 1882

Sanford & Hawley is the oldest business in Farmington, CT, owned by the same family and at the same location. The Hawleys left the company years ago, but the Sanfords have survived the many obstacles that have been thrown their way. The company is now operated by Frank, Bob, and Ted Sanford along with their father Bob Sr.

Sanford & Hawley, Inc. 1890	Robert Sanford 1983

Despite the many years that have passed, the original "Red Store" hasn't changed much. Employment has grown from four to around a hundred; horse-drawn wagons have been replaced by delivery trucks; many sheds and warehouses have grown along the brook; the same pitched roof is still there and perhaps most importantly, the same friendly country charm.

Unloading Lumber from Rail Cars - 1965

Frank Sanford credits the longterm success of Sanford & Hawley with being "in the right spot," but adds that the down home atmosphere is credited for its survival. Many other changes need to be accredited to Sanford & Hawley's success including hard work and determination, not only from the owners, but from the employees who are dedicated to their jobs and the customers.