Eugene True Value’s family story began in 1925, when Gilbert MacLaren purchased Eugene Hardware Co. in downtown Eugene. His daughter Lucy and her husband Terry White purchased the business in 1981, continuing a family legacy that now spans generations. From downtown Eugene to the store’s longtime Willamette Street location, the family has built its reputation on expertise, friendly service, and helping neighbors find practical solutions for their homes, yards, and businesses.
Eugene True Value’s family story began in 1925, when Gilbert MacLaren purchased Eugene Hardware Co. in downtown Eugene. His daughter Lucy and her husband Terry White purchased the business in 1981, continuing a family legacy that now spans generations. From downtown Eugene to the store’s longtime Willamette Street location, the family has built its reputation on expertise, friendly service, and helping neighbors find practical solutions for their homes, yards, and businesses.
My grandfather helped establish and run the store and worked here until the mid-1950s. In the late 1940s, my parents joined and led the business for decades. My brother worked here through the 1970s, and my sister helped off and on—truly a family effort.
In 1981, we—Lucy and Terry White—purchased the business from my father, and we still work in the store today, serving customers and guiding the team. Our family has continued to pitch in over the years. Our son, Steve, worked here for many years and is fondly remembered by customers. Our son, Doug, is our Assistant Store Manager, helping lead day-to-day operations.
We started downtown as Eugene Hardware and later moved to Willamette Street to better serve our neighbors across Eugene. Through every chapter—and through our transition to Eugene True Value Hardware—our promise hasn’t changed: solid products, straight answers, and friendly help every time you walk in.
A hundred years in, this is still the place you can walk into with a question and walk out with a plan—whether it’s a leaky faucet, a new paint color, or a weekend build. Thanks for being part of our story.
For four generations, the White family—now led by Lucy and Terry White, together with their son Doug—has carried on a tradition of service and stewardship. To us, this isn’t just a store; it’s a promise to be there when our community needs us. We’ve helped generations of Eugene families with everything from quick fixes to big backyard projects. Customers who once visited with their parents or grandparents now bring their own children through our doors—and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.
For four generations, the White family—now led by Lucy and Terry White, together with their son Doug—has carried on a tradition of service and stewardship. To us, this isn’t just a store; it’s a promise to be there when our community needs us. We’ve helped generations of Eugene families with everything from quick fixes to big backyard projects. Customers who once visited with their parents or grandparents now bring their own children through our doors—and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.
In 2025, Eugene True Value Hardware marks a milestone: 100 years of serving Eugene. As one of the city’s oldest family-owned businesses, this anniversary is both a celebration of our past and a promise for the future.
Join us October 3–5, 2025 for a three-day celebration featuring:
Bucket/Bag Sale with special savings
Local charity partnership to give back to our neighbors
Food and family fun for all ages
Historic displays highlighting our journey since 1925
It’s our way of saying thank you for a century of loyalty and support.
Eugene True Value has always been more than a store—we’re part of the fabric of this community. Whether we’re sponsoring local initiatives, supporting neighborhood projects, or simply lending advice on a weekend DIY, our goal is the same: serve our neighbors with integrity, kindness, and expertise. When you shop with us, you’re supporting a family-owned business invested in Eugene and the people who call it home.
For 100 years and four generations, Eugene True Value Hardware has grown alongside the South Eugene community. What began as Eugene Hardware Co. in downtown Eugene in 1925 has remained a family-owned business, adapting as the city changed while continuing to focus on personal service, practical knowledge and helping neighbors solve problems.
Our 100th anniversary gave us a chance to look back at that history, and we were honored to have our story shared by both local and hardware-industry publications.
Lookout Eugene-Springfield · October 2025
A look at the MacLaren and White family legacy, Eugene True Value’s move to South Willamette Street, and the customers and community relationships that have shaped the store for generations.
Eugene Weekly · October 2025
A local profile of the people, history and service that have helped Eugene True Value remain part of the South Eugene community for a century.
The Hardware Connection · October 2025
Eugene True Value joins The Hardware Connection’s Century Club, recognizing independent hardware businesses that have served their communities for 100 years or more.
Cutting Edge Products · February 2026 · By Renee C. Gray
A feature on Eugene True Value’s family legacy, longtime employees and customers, and the people-first approach that has helped the store thrive for 100 years.
The Eugene True Value article begins on page 12 of the February 2026 issue.
Eugene True Value has always been more than a store—we’re part of the fabric of this community. Whether we’re sponsoring local initiatives, supporting neighborhood projects, or simply lending advice on a weekend DIY, our goal is the same: serve our neighbors with integrity, kindness, and expertise. When you shop with us, you’re supporting a family-owned business invested in Eugene and the people who call it home.
For more than a century, Eugene True Value Hardware has grown alongside the South Eugene community. What began as Eugene Hardware Co. in downtown Eugene in 1925 has remained a family-owned business through generations, adapting as the city changed while continuing to focus on personal service, practical knowledge and helping neighbors solve problems.
Our 100th anniversary gave us a chance to look back at that history, and we were honored to have our story shared by both local and hardware-industry publications.
Lookout Eugene-Springfield · October 2025
A look at the MacLaren and White family legacy, Eugene True Value’s move to South Willamette Street, and the customers and community relationships that have shaped the store for generations.
Eugene Weekly · October 2025
A local profile of the people, history and service that have helped Eugene True Value remain part of the South Eugene community for a century.
The Hardware Connection · October 2025
Eugene True Value joins The Hardware Connection’s Century Club, recognizing independent hardware businesses that have served their communities for 100 years or more.
Cutting Edge Products · February 2026 · By Renee C. Gray
A feature on Eugene True Value’s family legacy, longtime employees and customers, and the people-first approach that has helped the store thrive for 100 years.
The Eugene True Value article begins on page 12 of the February 2026 issue.
Eugene True Value has always been more than a store—we’re part of the fabric of this community. Whether we’re sponsoring local initiatives, supporting neighborhood projects, or simply lending advice on a weekend DIY, our goal is the same: serve our neighbors with integrity, kindness, and expertise. When you shop with us, you’re supporting a family-owned business invested in Eugene and the people who call it home.
Quality products across every department
Time-saving services that make projects easier
A knowledgeable, friendly team that treats you like family
We’re excited about the future, grateful for the past, and proud to continue serving Eugene for many years to come.
