Coleman Gifts & Framing is the most
interesting store in Eastman. Formerly known as Coleman Hardware Company,
the store just celebrated it's 100th year of operation. Owners, Bill &
Judy Lowery, have been with the business for over 40 years offering their
customers a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere in which to shop.
Coleman's has a
Bridal Registry
for our brides offering a wide selection of
Noritake and Lenox China, crystal and stainless flatware. Arthur
Court serving pieces as well as lamps, framed prints, canisters and decorative
plates also make distinctive gifts. Other gifts include cookbooks,
children's books, Paula Deen's seasonings, MaggiB handbags, collegiate
accessories and apparel.
In our Framing Department, we have a state
of the art computerized mat cutter offering acid free mats and conservation
glass. Wayne Taylor is our expert framer.
Come in and visit our newly remodeled store.
We also offer UPS and FED-EX shipping and Western Union services, including
money orders. You can pick up a JCPenny catalog or browse through one of
Tad Evans' historical books.
Our Store was originally Bohannon-McRae
Company but in 1923 it was purchased by Mr. C. F. Coleman and his son, T. T.
Coleman. In May 1924, it was incorporated as Coleman Hardware Co.
Today the store is still under the Coleman name even though this family is no
longer connected to the business. The mix of products sold has
changed significantly as times have changed. However, the store
continues to maintain its reputation for quality goods and the original motto:
"The Most Interesting Store in Eastman."
When the Coleman's bought the store the
principal items sold were geared to the needs of independent rural farmers and
to the requirements of agriculture such as plow points, tools, fencing, lumber
and general hardware supplies. When electricity came to Eastman, it
was one of the first stores to offer major items such as stoves and
refrigerators. In the early fifties television sets were sold and a gift
department was added.
Today nearly seventy years after the
original opening the store still carries general hardware, as well as paint,
fishing tackle, a large china and gift department, cellular telephones, custom
picture framing and a J. C. Penny Catalog desk. The major household
items have been dropped as being more suitable for sale by furniture stores and
electronic shops.
Mr. Thad Coleman managed the original store
and was joined in 1942 by William Russell Lowery. In 1958, Mr. Lowery
purchased one half of the business and took over as general manager following
Mr. Thad's retirement. In 1961, on Mr. Thad's death, he purchased the
remainder of the stock and assumed full ownership. In 1963 William
Lowery's son, Bill, joined the staff and soon became a partner.
William Lowery, Sr., continued as president and manager until his retirement in
1975 when Bill took over the manager's position even though his Dad remained
very active in the business until his death in 1991.
The business is known today as Coleman Gifts
and Framing and is still in the same location at 215 Main Street in downtown
Eastman.
Coleman's Gifts and Framing
215 Main Street
Eastman, Georgia 31023
Phone: (478) 374-4860
Phone: (478) 374-2551
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