about
THE HISTORY
In 1881- before Kissimmee became Kissimmee (1883) and Osceola County became Osceola County (1884) a
pioneer by the name of W.B. Makinson inked a business charter to form "Makinson Hardware".
This was a time when Kissimmee was a transportation hub of Florida, with riverboats and railroads converging on
this small town on the edge of beautiful Lake Tohopekaliga.
Makinson Hardware thrived, becoming the heart of Osceola County trade. Local farmers, fishermen and especially
ranchers brought their local wares through its doors and the local patrons would meet for trade. whether it be
saddles, nuts and bolts, hammers paint, gas- you name it.
Until just a couple of years ago, Makinson Hardware had been the oldest operating hardware store in the state of
Florida.
In 2023 and with a tremendous amount of respect, homage, and a shared spirit for conversation and trade. 1881
Bar & Restaurant opened these same doors to the public once again.
While the light fixtures are now repurposed screw and bolt bins and the walls where tools & paints once lined
now house ingredients for craft cocktails. The same hum of town gossip, lively music and spirit of ranch and
farm trade in this new age of pioneering times all remain the same.
