EARL HARTLINE RETIRES ON HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY

Earl Hartline will retire Saturday, his 80th birthday, after 31 years of service to Hartline Hardware, 234 Broadway.

As one of the owners, Hartline said he does office work, takes orders and contacts customers.

Hartline started the hardware business with one employee on April 15, 1961. The business has expanded to include 17 employees, he said.

"My wife and I started the place in our basement," Hartline said. "I put all the products in a walk-in van and delivered them as they were sold.

"The business then became too big for our basement, so we moved to where we are now."

Hartline said he's excited about retirement. "My wife Wanda and I just bought a motor home, so we're planning to travel quite a bit."

His son Barney is part owner of Hartline Hardware and helps manage the business. Other family members include a daughter in Portland, Ore., and three grandchildren.

Hartland said he will celebrate his 80th birthday and retirement by riding 100 miles on his bicycle. He stays physically fit by swimming about a mile every morning, he said.