One of the things I like about blogging and writing is that it gives you an excuse to go to places you may never have gone to in your life because it would be kind of weird to just barge in somewhere, just to look around and take photos. But if you’re doing a blog then you can walk in to places and look around with the excuse that you’re doing a post on the place. I don’t know how many times I’ve driven by Nailon’s Plumbing Supplies and marveled at the old signage on the building and wondered what kind of stuff is inside of there. Well, today we get to find out, because Nailon’s Plumbing Supplies is today’s blog post. See how this works?
And we're off on a gray fuzzy day, this is my kind of weather!
And there's our destination right over there, let's park the MBIP mobile and go check it out.
What a cool looking old building, see what I mean about that signage? I love it!
Wow, they've been in business since 1884, I wonder if they've been in this building the whole time?
Well, there's only one way to find out and that's by going inside, so let's go, besides It's freezing as fuck-all out here!
Here's Larry Nailon, the fourth generation owner of Nailon's Plumbing Supplies. I asked him if this was the oldest family owned business in Peoria and he told me he wasn't sure, but I'm guessing it probably is. Larry reluctantly let me take a picture of him and told me he was busy and had a lot of things to do, but graciously said I could wander around and take some photos. So let's get wandering!
This striped zebra head in Larry's office came from a hunting trip he took in Africa. He said he used to hunt a lot, but not so much anymore.
On this wall are plaques, mementos and pictures of Larry's daughter.
I snapped one more photo of Larry and then decided to move out and check out the rest of the place before he threw me out!
As you can see, this is a big place loaded with about every plumbing supply thingy you could need. But there's more than plumbing supplies in here...
There's two more deer heads from Larry's hunting trips. Oh deer!
And here's three more, this is quite a zoo he's got in here. Look at the deer on the far left, he's kind of striking a Travis Bickle-like pose. "You talkin' to me?"
I love the old wooden floor in here.
I agree with this sign, shop local folks!
The building may be old, but the plumbing supplies inside are state of the art.
Here's something you don't see every day, "The Quick Reference Faucet Stem Guide." I like this version so much better than "The Long and Drawn Out Reference Faucet Stem Guide" that most plumbing stores have out on display!
Here's a quartet of photos of the store hanging on the paneled walls.
There's all kinds of interesting knick-knacks and bric-a-bracs up here on top of the supply shelves.
See what I mean?
There looks to be some interesting things over in that corner, let's take a closer look.
I bet that's one of the first stock certificates for the business.
Wow, check out this safe, how cool is this?
I wonder if that's a photo of the original storefront? I'd ask Larry but I don't want to bother him. I'm guessing it is.
There's the founder of Nailon's Plumbing Supplies, John A. Nailon. If his hair was longer he'd be a dead ringer for Chuck Negron of Three Dog Night.
According to this history, that was the original store front that I was wondering about and they've been in this location since 1963. Okay, with that question answered we'll call it a day. Thanks to Larry for letting us wander around in here and we'll see you all tomorrow!
Related Posts: Doyle’s Automotive and The Costume Trunk and Shop Local Because Chain Stores Suck Monkey Lungs And Often Smell Of Stale Ass: Stan’s Wine & Spirits Store.