The end of an era, part 2

In 1952, Rosetta Thompson's health began to fail and her son, Harald, a student at Concordia College in Moorhead, returned home to help manage the business. He became acquainted with Adella Sylvester, a teacher of third grade in the McIntosh School, who was boarding at the house of Clara Vaatveit. They were married on July 23, 1953. Their children, Ann, Naomi, Ruth and Mark all helped out at the store during and after their school years. 

During the time that Harald and Adella owned the hardware business, many changes occured. There were services that expanded, while others faded away. The store had three specialty departments carpet and floor covering, appliances and plumbing supplies.

Over the years, you could always find Harald at the hardware store and familiar faces such as Roland Habeant who was a service technician for appliances and chain saws, and Veronica Knudson, who could always find you the right paint color.

On May 7, 1988 the Abrahamson Hardware celebrated its Diamond Jubilee with storewide promotions, drawings and an open house. They were one of only 29 stores in the Our Own Hardware network of over 1,100 stores in all, who were recognized for 75 years of service to the customers in their community. 

As well as Harald running the hardware store and Adella teaching at McIntosh school, the couple and family were also very active in the local community, often seen working during events and festivities.