Rainier Oregon Historical Museum
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Bross Hardware
Charles T. Bross and son Fred F. Bross
1912-1965
Charles T. Bross started business in Rainier as a plumber. He was located on Lee's dock (at the foot of First street) then a busy place as it was the landing dock for the river steamers, Beaver and Iralda. His beginning here was in 1912. He had a shop on Second East between A and B. Also, he moved to the site that was later Brooks barbershop. In 1939, Mr. Bross moved to the present location of Bross Hardware at First and B Streets. By this time the plumbing business had given way to a principally hardware merchandising operation. His son Fred took over operation of the business in 1945 after returning home from five years of military service during WWII. He had formerly been in the store assisting his father during years of ownership. Charles Bross took over the Rainier hotel perpetuating a family tradition in hotel management. In 1965, due to poor health, Fred Bross closed the store in June 1965 and passed away the following September. Charles passed away in August 1975.
  

In December 1939 Charles Bross moved his hardware store to the Kliks building on the Northeast corner of B Street (Hwy 30) and East 1st Street (119 E 1st St.). In June 1965 Fred Bross, who had taken over the business from his father in 1945, was forced to close the store due to poor health. As of February 2020 Luigi's Pizza now occupies the space where Bross hardware was located.


1973 Rainier Daze Grand Marshal
Charles T. Bross

    

From the July 12, 1973 issue of the Rainier (Oregon) Review.

Fred Bross in front of his store wearing a disguise, about 1959 during the Oregon Centennial and Rainier Daze.
Click on image to enlarge!
Image
Description
November 1913 - Marriage of Charles Thomas Bross to Eliza Jennie Foster

From the Morning Oregonian., November 05, 1913, Page 12
December 1939 - Bross Hardware To Change Location

From the December 7, 1939 Rainier (Oregon) Review.
December 1939 - Bross Hardware Christmas advertisement

From the December 21, 1939 Rainier (Oregon) Review.
Charles T. Bross Plumbing plug
June 1965 - Bross Hardware To Begin Sale Thursday

From the June 17, 1965 Rainier (Oregon) Review.
June 1965 - Business Adjustment Sale advertisement

From the June 17, 1965 Rainier (Oregon) Review.
June 1965 - Closing of Bross Hardware Store Will Mark End of Father and Son Business Since 1912

From the June 24, 1965 Rainier (Oregon) Review.
June 1965 - Quitting Business Sale advertisement

From the June 24, 1965 Rainier (Oregon) Review.
July 1965 - Fred Bross Better

From the July 1, 1965 Rainier (Oregon) Review.
Septmeber 1965 - Grieving Group Pay Last Honors to Fred F. Bross

From the September 23, 1965 Rainier (Oregon) Review.
August 1975 - Charles T. Bross, former Rainier hardware merchant and leading citizen, died.

From the August 13, 1975 Rainier (Oregon) Review.

Additional information:

        Charles Thomas Bross, on "Find a Grave" page.

        Fred F. Bross, on "Find a Grave" page.

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