The Columbia Coach Works moved into the building sometime between 1875 and 1886. The Columbia Coach Works remained in business until 1894. The building then housed a second hand furniture store in 1899. In 1904, an agricultural implement firm also moved to the building. Both businesses continued until at least 1909.

In 1913, C.A. Herr Hardware moved into the building. The information below is provided by a relative of Bill Linkous, the owner of C.A. Herr Hardware.

C.A. Herr Hardware was started in 1880 by Calvin Alvin Herr. He started selling farm equipment but eventually expanded to additional lines. The store was on the first floor of a three story building at the corner of third and Walnut Streets. The second and third floor was occupied by the Standard Underwear Company. Rumor has it that an apartment was on one of these floors.

In 1917 a fire that may have started in the apartment hit the structure and the building was severely damaged and had to be rebuilt. While helping to do clean up, part of the rear wall collapsed and killed a fireman. To this day, sometimes you can hear the sound of someone walking in the building - limping with boots on.

The building was rebuilt to one that was two stories high and wider. On the second floor was a tin shop. This is where tinsmiths used their craft to make stove pipes and many other things as well. When the 462 Bridge was built, they supplied the materials which were brought in by rail. Mr. Herr would go in early and people would drop off orders to be filled. They would stop back later in the day and pick up their orders.

Mr. Herr had three sons, John, Ivan and I can't remember the third son. They were all in the business, but only Ivan stayed. He actually enjoyed the business.

In December of 1963 Bill Linkous bought the business from the bank. John Diefrich (in charge of the bank) helped with financing. Mr. Linkous didn't have a penny to his name. He was in the United States Air Force and after getting out he worked for his mother-in-law in the Etzweiler's Furniture Store. He was barely paid enough to make ends meet. He got the bank support because he was a good businessman and they didn't want to loose another business in town.

Mr. Linkous was constantly looking for ways to improve his business and do what's best for Columbia. He looked at a lot of different co-ops. In 1965 C.A. Herr Hardware became a member of Cotter and Company known as True Value. In 1976 the basement was opened for plumbing, electrical, and glass. Automotive was later added. In 1980 he added V&S Variety to the mix. This was located on the second floor of the building.

In the 1970's the Columbia Merchants Association stopped bringing Santa to town. Mr. Linkous brought the tradition back by having Santa sit in a window of the store. It was so popular it became a regularly scheduled show on WCOY, 1580 AM Radio who broadcast live each Saturday afternoon. It became even bigger when Santa came to town on a fire truck the Friday evening after Thanksgiving. Santa would be lifted into the second floor window by a fire company aerial truck. There would be a special area set up for Santa to give treats to the kids and have pictures taken. An operating train display was added in the 1980's as well as taking Santa through Marietta and Wrightsville. People and news coverage from all over came to see Santa and the operating train display.

Mr. Linkous always tried to add new products and promotions throughout the year. Besides Christmas, sidewalk sales in July were very popular. During the Easter holiday he would bring in the Easter Bunny so kids could have their pictures taken with him. Christmas was his favorite time of the year. He loved the idea of having your pet's picture taken with Santa and he donated the proceeds to ORCA, an animal right group.

In late 2002 Mr. Linkous decided it was time to retire and enjoy life. He felt it was time to give up the business. He started to look at different sales options. In 2003 he put the business up for sale. He had a few people interested in buying the business. In 2004 David Doolittle became interested in the property. Mr. Linkous died October 4, 2004 of ALS. He never saw the sale of the business to David Doolittle.

C.A. Herr Inc. and Bill Linkous did a lot for the community and were well respected. They donated to the ambulance and fire services as well as other organizations, promoted the Christmas parade, and helped finance the town's Christmas decorations. He even helped people who were less fortunate in the community. The whole aim of Bill Linkous and C.A. Herr Inc. was to take care of the customer and do what's best for the community.

Cow Herr's, as the store was affectionately known, will always be a part of Columbia's history. The store and Bill Linkous will never be forgotten for the positive impact they made on the small river town of Columbia, Pennsylvania. Long live the spirit of Bill Linkous and C.A. Herr Hardware.

NOTE: Special hard brick was imported from New York State to rebuild the building.