The title of this post was the customary greeting from shopkeepers to prospective customers as they entered a store back in the 18th century. Direct, perhaps, but one can imagine it said with a genuine curiosity, and a real desire to be of assistance--something that is sometimes lacking in today's retail world--and then it seems to fit.
Some of you may know that this year at The Oldest House I have been mounting a new exhibit in the front room of the House: recreating a General Store from 1836. Why 1836 you ask, when the House was built in 1781? Because Gen. Bradley Wakeman, who bought the House in 1836, ran a small general store at the House; it was successful enough that he soon moved the shop up to 'town,' what would become Laceyville.
Part of the joy of volunteering at The Oldest House is undoubtedly the ability to visualize a display or exhibit and then have that vision become a reality. I had a very clear picture of what I wanted our '1836 General Store' to look like. I think some people wondered if I would be able to pull it off--and to be honest, there were times when I thought that, too. But my doubts were fleeting and for the past few months I have been asking anyone and everyone I know--even total strangers--for items I thought might work in the display.
Today, as I put the finishing touches on the room, that vision came to life, and I want to take this moment to thank all the people who offered collectibles or antiques, or who dug items up from cupboards and closets and gave them to me for this exhibit.
It looks amazing!
Researching what General Stores were like back in the 1830's was quite interesting, and appealed to my studious side as well as my retail experience. A list of average prices of common goods back in 1836 as well as a brief history of Wakeman, the House and his General Store will inform visitors to the House's 1836 Store this year.
Because we are dependent on donations to keep The Oldest House running, we do offer a small selection of House themed items and old fashioned gifts, and the money we make from these goes in our General Fund. This year, the 1836 General Store provides a natural segue into our own little corner shop. We have unique hand painted etched tin ornaments and evocative old fashioned bullseye glass disks as a memento of the House that visitors can take home with them, and I wanted to make these beautiful pieces catch everyone's eye: so a sampling is hung in the window.
Through the good will of my friend Lori and her husband, we acquired a beautiful black bearskin: in my mind, I had envisioned a corner of the room with hides and/or skins, barrels, burlap sacks and a muzzleloader or musket. Lori's bear is the show stopper of this section, and the gift of some lovely burlap sacks from a complete stranger I met at a municipal meeting completed my vision.
The addition of a checker board atop a barrel to invoke that iconic image of two 'old boys' playing draughts or 'checkers' or even chess in an old fashioned General Store was the inspiration of another House volunteer, Carol. A third volunteer, Debbie, loaned us her checkerboard and voilà! The scene is set.
Our little 'corner shop cupboard' has sachets, jams, more tin House ornaments, bullseye glass and also small wooden Houses and notecards with an image of the House. Both of these latter items were made for the House by the late Francis Ace; his son and daughter in law own Laceyville Hardware and donated many beautiful items for the exhibit, too.
Of course, copies of my book A RIVER IN TIME that is inspired by and set at The Oldest House, are also on offer, and I am donating my royalties to the House. If I happen to be staffing the House when visitors stop by and they wish to have their copy signed, I am always happy to do that.
So you see the 1836 General Store really has come to life!
I continue to be amazed by the willingness of the community to help. When I spoke up at municipal meetings or just in general conversation and asked if anyone had any big old barrels or burlap sacks, or any other items that might fit in with the display, folks I didn't know were happy to say, 'yes, I'll help.' I do think, though, that they thought I was a bit odd to be so excited about an old wine barrel (and two big, beautiful old tins, too) or empty burlap or flour sacks. It doesn't matter: as long as they stop by the House this open season and check out their contributions to the exhibit.
A lot of the items in our 1836 Store were sourced from The Oldest House itself, too: it's remarkable what you can find if you just go looking for it!
We open our 2013 Season NEXT WEEKEND May 17,18,19 with A SIMPLER THYME. We will have potted herb plants for sale (proceeds, of course, go to the House), and the entire House will be open with all displays and exhibits finished and ready for inspection. Our 30-some antique and vintage quilts are also displayed throughout the House, and be sure to check out the bedrooms and our re-vamped Historical Clothing exhibit on the top floor! We will even have refreshments available: I think Debbie is planning one of her usual delicious light repasts, so visitors will have plenty of reason to stick around, visit and enjoy the House.
I'll be on staff both the 17th and 18th, giving tours, and sharing the wonderful history and heritage of the House and all who have lived in and cared for it. Please join me, if you can, and 'Come Back in Time With Us©' at The Oldest House, Old Main Street, Laceyville, PA 18623.
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