Peabody Hardware and Lumber operated for more than 20 years, but an auction to dismantle it moved fast Saturday as volunteers ripped merchandise off the shelves and ran it to the sale table to help the Whitneys liquidate.

Mark and Ginger Whitney closed the store June 28 after announcing their retirement in March.

Ginger said there has been interest in purchasing the building at 124 N. Walnut, but said it was too early to make any announcements.

A hardware store has stood at that location since the late-1870s.

“We have been in the community for so long that we don’t want to leave a hole, so we hope that someone does take over somewhere down the line,” she said.

More than 100 packed the store to support the couple or in hope of picking up merchandise that included Tonka trucks, toy tractors, a pool table and a one-horse open sleigh.

Leppke Inc. Realty and Auction, Hillsboro, handled the sale.

Mark plans to continue providing locksmithing, screen window repair and custom woodworking services out of a barn near the back of the store he will use as his workshop.