This information was found in the vertical files of the Genealogy Department of the Longview Public Library.

THE AVINGER CITIZEN
Special Historical Edition
June 18, 1954

Connor Bros. Hardware Co. is the oldest business in Avinger having been in continuous operation since its organization as a partnership in 1913. Harmon Connor had previously operated a hardware store for about a year in part of the old A.M. Rhyne & Co. frame building. Harmon came to Avinger in 1911, worked about a year, moved to Dallas and then back to Avinger having married Miss Lucy Peek of Omaha in the meantime. They bought their home from Charlie Douglas and remodeled it considerably down through the years.

The R.C. Connors came to Avinger from Daingerfield Jan. 17th, 1909. Mr. Connor worked for D.R. Coulter & Co. until 1913 at which time Conner Hardware Co. opened for business in their section of the new brick block. They built their present home in 1910 moving into it on the 20th of May that year. Mrs. R.C. was the former Era Mae Phillips of Dangerfield; they were married in 1907.

Connor Bros. business history can truly be called a success story in citizenship. Through thick and thin, good times and bad, for 42 years they have weathered the turbulence of changing times and changing business conditions. It is this type of steady, reliable business concern that has helped make America what it is today.

Children of the R.C. Connors were R.C. Jr. of Jefferson; Paul of Austin; Mrs. Fred Pratt of Longview; and Howard of San Antonio.

Harmon Connor children are Harmon of Dallas; Mrs. Harry Taylor (Mary) of La Mesa; Mrs. Paul (Lucille) Clark of Hillsboro; and Mrs. Tommy (Ruth) Duncan of Ft. Worth.