Dibble True Value Hardware is a familiar sight on West Ferry Street and one of the oldest businesses operating on Buffalo’s West Side. Residents, contractors, maintenance workers, and building owners know Dibble’s as the place for tools, hardware, electrical supplies, heating and plumbing needs, water heaters, automotive and garden supplies. Dibble’s sells True Value Easy Care paint, which has con
sistently been recommended by Consumer Reports magazine. In addition, there are household appliances and furnishings, laundry and cleaning supplies, and decorative gifts to round out the shopping experience. City records show that a hardware store has been on the site of Dibble True Value since 1897. The original business was owned by two brothers by the name of Ringer. This business was sold to Leroy Melville Dibble in 1924 and L.M. His original store stood at 270 West Ferry St., where Dibble’s parking lot is now. Dibble Hardware had a three level floor plan. Some older residents of the West Side may remember the tinsmith shop at Dibble’s and Charlie Riter who ran it. Charlie started working at the store in 1915. He stayed with Dibble’s for many, many years, at least to the 1950's. Dibble was always trying to expand his business. Dibble acquired the next storefront at 268 West Ferry St. and established a business selling household appliances. He sold Blackstone washing machines and Kelvinator refrigerators for $39.95 and terms were $1.00 down and $1.00 a week. Dibble spent a lot of effort collecting $1.00 weekly from a large number of West Side residents. Many West Siders today, will remember the two sides of Dibbles, connected by the doors across the alley. Dibble wanted to create a connection between the two buildings, he negotiated with the city for the permits. The Fire Department apparently gave him the runaround and Mr. Dibble was frustrated. He spoke to his friend, Mike Broderick, who was active at the West Side Rowing Club and is remembered today with Broderick Park. Mike had a word with the Fire Chief and the permits went through the next day. Politics is politics; some things never change. By today’s standards, the issue of the connecting door is nothing compared to the other fire hazards of the day. Dibble’s, as well as other hardware stores of the 1930's-1950's sold turpentine and kerosene from 55 gallon drums kept in the store. Customers brought their own containers to purchase these flammable liquids and take them home. Labeling and safe use of the product was up to the consumer! Harold Dibble, Leroy’s son, was active in his father’s business. In 1941, Harold rented an adjacent store, now the site of the Salvation Army Thrift Shop. Harold stocked it with as many appliances as he could because U. factories were being converted to the war effort and household appliances would soon be out of production. Harold Dibble served in the Army for four years, 1942-1946, and his father kept the business going. Dibble and his son kept improving and expanding their business on West Ferry St., eventually phasing out the appliance business and the tinsmith shop. Dibble Hardware became Dibble V & S (Value and Service) Store in 1965, when they joined Cotter and Co., a co-operative hardware wholesale company based in Chicago. Cotter and Co. acquired the rights to the True Value name in a merger and Dibble’s became Dibble True Value Hardware. Harold Dibble, like his father was always trying to expand the store. In 1980, he purchased Model Land, next door, and over the next few years erected the present modern building at 262 West Ferry St, opened to the public in 1988. In 1993, Mr. Dibble retired from the business, which is now run by a long time employee, who began working at Dibble’s as a teenager, stocking shelves and repairing windows. Many of Dibble’s customers know the staff personally. Some employees have been at Dibble’s since the 1980's and the average length of employment is currently 11.7 years. Clearly, Dibble True Value is a pleasant place to work as well as to shop. Every employee is happy to answer your questions and help you find what you need. If you don’t see the items you want, ask. We are able to special order many items for you from our suppliers. Customer service to the residents of Buffalo’s West Side is as important to Dibble’s now as it was to L.M. Dibble himself! The store is open 8:00 AM- 7:00 PM Monday through Saturday and 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM on Sunday. Dibble True Value Hardware is located at 262 West Ferry Street, near Grant St., opposite the West Side Plaza and McDonald’s.
