By Mark Wineka
mwineka@salisburypost.com
Former Salisbury mayor and longtime businessman Paul Bernhardt died late Thursday night.
Known for his genteel spirit, Bernhardt owned Bernhardt Hardware Co. Inc. on North Main Street, which was established in 1961 after the liquidation of Greer Hardware Co.
Throughout the years, he won many awards for his civic involvement and leadership roles for better housing, women’s rights, minority rights and for the disabled.
He also stood at the forefront of downtown efforts and, in 1977, was among mayors from across the country to attended the White House Conference on Small Businesses in Washington, D.C.
Bernhardt had a strong interest in history and became a wealth of knowledge on the Sparks Circus, which for a time wintered in Salisbury.
More about Bernhardt will be in Saturday’s edition of the Post.
Contact Mark Wineka at 704-797-4263.