Welcome to Hensel's Ace Hardware

Mr. Robert Hensel originally began operation as a Marshall-Wells hardware store over 50 years ago. In the early 1960's, Mr. Hensel joined the Ace Hardware Group, which created Hensel's Ace Hardware store. 

In 1985, Pete and Shirley Hess purchased the store from Mr. Hensel. Pete and Shirley's desire to make a significant personal and professional commitment to this growing community manifested itself by initiating a project to completely remodel and reset the store. Additionally, a “gift shop” section was added in order to serve the growing demands of our local customer base.

However, just when everything couldn’t be better, fate dealt the company a serious blow on February 10, 1990 when the store was completely destroyed by fire (photos of this terrible day are hung up by front entrance of the main hardware store). Thanks to the Ace representative and loyal employees, Hensel’s reopened in a temporary store while construction of a new, modern facility was being built. After the new building was complete, they made a business decision that would again raise sales while satisfying the increasing demands of customers.  Pete and Shirley Hess made Hensel’s into a positive steady presence within the Arcata community as it represents the Ace Hardware Group.

In January 2002, Jerry and Ceva King Joined Pete and Shirley Hess to form a partnership in order to provide an orderly transition of ownership to the next generation of owners, and serve the Arcata community into the 21st century. 

In January 2010, Jerry and Ceva King allowed their daughter Ceva Courtemanche into the partnership. Ceva started with the company as a cashier. Four years later, she became in charge of the housewares store, and eventually became a manager upon graduating from Humboldt State University with a degree in business and a minor in management. 

In 2015, Ceva purchased the company and is now the managing owner as the President of the company. During 2015, Hensel’s underwent a major remodel and is now utilizing both buildings on the property. The Seely & Titlow Building got a full make over and it is now home to The Arcata Color Store which houses paint and cleaning supplies, the kitchen store which houses dishware, camping, BBQ's, etc. and the candy store known as Cook'n Sugar. Like her dad and mom, she continues to grow the business to make it the store it is today. 

Thank you so much for your support we could not do what we do without this Shop Local Community.