Tunnel Machinery was another of the landmark hardware stores that populated Canal Street in the 1970’s and 80’s. Most stores along Canal Street were allowed to display merchandise outside of their store on their steps and loading docks which were technically a part of their property covering part of their basement space. The law required that any item displayed outside the store must be available for sale inside the store. You can see some Tunnel Machinery’s hand trucks and other items on top of the stairs. As Canal Street transformed itself into a Flea Market, many store owners, in violation of the law, rented out the space in front of their stores to flea market vendors. This was the beginning of the end of proper stores on Canal Street.