Hardware store does business the old-fashioned way without power - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News

Lumber Jack Building Center has been in business for nearly 48 years and is a family run hardware store on 23 Mile Road in New Baltimore.  They had no power Wednesday evening, but they were open anyway serving the community's no power needs.

"Sold through all of our generators," said Harvey Cornett.

The generators were stacked up on a wooden pallet. They're all humming in neighborhoods now powering up homes.

"We also sold a lot of pool supplies," Cornett said.

Swimming pools are getting a workout with or without power.

When your sump pump can't pump without power, people pick up PVC pipe to get water out of the basement.  They usually cut the pipe with a power saw, but now your power saw is James.

"Today we've been using a hand saw to cut it," he said.

Jamie will show you where the coolers are kept.  Without power you cannot refill your propane tank, but you can buy charcoal.

Jim Hazlewood couldn't get a spare key made because the electric grinder was down, but how about some cold drinks?  They kept the door to the coolers closed chilling the pop, Gatorade and water.

When you do check out, it's cash on the barrel head.  You get a hand written receipt, but they can also slide your credit card in the old credit card slide.

"No electricity, so we're doing it old-fashioned pen and paper, calculator," said Cornett.

Batteries, flashlights or whatever, Lumber Jack Building Center is open every day all year, seven days a week, even in your darkest days.