People walking through the heart of the Garment District in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, might notice three Stars of David in the window sill of the Harry J. Epstein Co. hardware store.
Fourth-generation owner Jori Sackin said they represent solidarity with his Jewish community and pride in his family’s long Kansas City roots.
Jewish family-owned hardware store in downtown KCMO displays Stars of David in show of solidarity
“I grew up in the store, running around, opening boxes,” Sackin said. “It becomes a big part of your life.”
Sackin’s great-grandfather, Harry J. Epstein, opened the hardware shop in 1933. He invested in high-quality tools leftover from America’s aid to the Allied Nations in World War II.
In the present day, the business sells mostly American-made hand tools to tradesmen — iron workers, carpenters and millwrights.
Whether it is tools or legacy, his family knows what makes things last. In fact, many of Kansas City’s bridges and buildings have a little touch of Harry J. Epstein…