History

Clarence Sterling and Son Hardware opened its doors in 1898, beginning as a retail store and tinsmith shop on the 1200 block of Crisfield , Maryland . In the early 1900's, the U.S. Customs House in Crisfield had more vessels than any other port in the United States. Crisfield was an international port of entry at this time, where many immigrants first stepped foot onto U.S. soil.

Identifying a need for a marine hardware store, Clarence Sterling secured purchase agreements with several manufacturers, and together with his son William, began a marine hardware distributorship. In 1932, the Federal Government built a new office building to house the Post Office and Customs House and the Sterling family moved to its current location on West Main Street where it has operated since 1935.

Mr. Clarence Sterling passed away in 1937 and his son managed the operation until the passing of his mother. In 1949, William Sterling purchased the operation from his mother's estate and continued to run the operation until his death in 1989. The business was then purchased by John L. Somers, a long time employee of Clarence Sterling and Son, and was then bought by Michael C. Milbourne in 1992, who continues to operate the business today.