Futrell Hardware

While photography is a first love, I wanted to tell more of a story. As I was figuring how I wanted to tackle video, Matt Nix joined the Record and pushed me toward interviews. As COVID came into the world, our plans were put on hold. However, we were able to spend a couple days with my grandad at his hardware store.

Futrell Hardware was started as a Western Auto franchise in 1936 by J.M. Futrell, my great-grandfather. It has survived multiple wars, recessions, and even Western Auto itself ending as a company.

At 85 years old, Byron Futrell has been in the business for around 80 years, give or take a few for college. It’s a testament to solid business practices, Christian business ethics, and just plain old hard work.

Futrell Hardware sits on the corner of the Pocahontas, AR town square and attracts folks from all over. It’s basically known that if Byron doesn’t have it, you don’t need it.

I hope you enjoy this small glimpse into a foundational business in this rural community.

Note:
The music for this video was made especially for The Rural Record by a friend, Hebron Chester. Growing up in Pocahontas, he knows that special blend of The Delta meets the Ozarks, and I think it’s captured beautifully in this one-of-a-kind track.