Anyone who has driven down Main Road in Jamesport knows to look for the sign at North Fork True Value (1403 Main Road, Jamesport, 631-722-4414). The cheeky sayings — such as “Winter, I’m breaking up with you” — never fail to delight. But there is more to the charming local hardware store than just a clever turn of phrase.
Ted Jankowski, owner of Westhampton True Value, and his store manager Jeff Wachenfeld, visited Jamesport Hardware in 2021 as the former owners were preparing to close. They were taken with how connected locals seemed to the business and decided to preserve the corner store as a place where people could still feel at home. The store was taken down to the studs and concrete and rebuilt, including a new custom counter with the North Fork True Value logo.
“I think we’ve established ourselves here. A lot of people like what we’ve done with the store, how we’ve remodeled it. it’s really picked up since when we first started,” says Kate Sorady, North Fork True Value’s store manager.
Beyond the expected hardware and other repair-related paraphernalia, North Fork True Value offers seasonal items for grilling, gardening and outdoor fun. Grills can be delivered and assembled for free from East Moriches to Southold. Bicycle repair work starts at $85.
1. ZendoZones Big Papa Pineapple citronella candle holder, $23.99 Citronella is lemony smelling oil made from grass that serves as a natural mosquito repellent. This terra cotta container comes with three replaceable 3% citronella candles, which can each burn for up to 24 hours.
2. Rayovac Sportsman area lantern, $42.99 The twin 9-watt fluorescent U8 tubes put out an impressive 300 lumens and lights up to a 50-foot radius in either high, low, or night light modes. The water-resistant lantern runs on 8D batteries for 14 hours with two bulbs on or 30 hours with one.
3. Franklin Bocce ball set, $47.99 This durable set goes anywhere, so you can play at the beach or in the backyard. The box doubles as storage and has a plastic handle for easy transport. Included are 8 all-weather balls and one palino.
4. North Fork True Value embroidered logo Carhartt beanie, $16.99 Keep the early spring chill away with this knit cuffed beanie. The doubled construction means more heat is trapped between the layers, while the distinctive embroidered logo lets everyone know where your hardware store loyalties lie.
5. 181-piece First Aid Only essentials kit, $33.99 This comprehensive first aid kit treats cuts, scrapes, pain, swelling and burns. The inside is organized into compartments, such as pain relief and bandages, for quick and easy access.
6. Digz elbow-length rose picker gardening gloves, $26.99 No need to take off your gloves to skip a song or answer a call — the fingertips of these vegan leather gloves are touchscreen compatible with your phone. The reinforced palm and fingers and extra-long cuff offer additional protection from thorns and tough weeds.
7. Yeti Hopper Flip soft cooler in limited edition Agave Teal, $250 This sturdy, soft-sided cooler from Yeti holds up to 24 cans of your favorite beverage. It comes with a shoulder strap to keep hands free. Grab it for a two-person beach picnic or throw it in the backseat for a day trip. This cooler features a 100% leak-proof zipper, closed-cell rubber foam, and a high-density, puncture resistant fabric.
