Little Big Hardware Store

Every base camp needs supply sources. Island Park Building Supply is a great source for lumber and hardware specific to one’s needs in Yellowstone country. 

My first IPBS hardware lesson was an introduction to the torque-head screw. I had a supply of Phillips head grabber screws but between mud, snow and ice, I was stripping out the + slot. The torque head screw has a star-shaped impression it its head and are much less prone to strip out. I replaced my screw inventory.

Vance and Marie Derricott purchased IPBS in 1972 from Mel and Ethel Harris. The following year they packed up the store, building and contents, and moved it from North Big Springs Loop to its present location on South Big Springs Loop. Glade Gunnell began working for Vance before the move. In 1978 he became family when he married the boss’s daughter, Aleana.  Glade and Aleana purchased IPBS in 2004.

With so many years of experience providing for the needs of Island Park residents under their collective belts, Glade and his family have a wealth of knowledge of what is needed in the mountain environment. Their advice is freely given, the inventory is of good quality and their prices are fair.

When I was a flatlander, I was accustomed to shopping at Lowe’s or Home Depot. IPBS could fit their entire store into the garden section of the big box retailers but the amount of inventory that they have stocked in such a small area is amazing. They know the location of every nut, bolt and clasp. They are anxious to order anything that they do not stock; with a turnaround time of only a couple of days.

Family members Nathan and Jancey are now involved in the business. When I dropped in recently, the grandkids were busy passing out free ice cream bars to customers. 

This little big hardware store is a family effort that succeeds in meeting the needs of residents and visitors to Island Park.