NAME: Country Treasures.
LOCATION: On New York Route 22 next to the recently closed IGA.
HOURS: Generally open Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Sundays from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
CONTACT: Call 963-4511 for additional information.
WILLSBORO — Sandwiched between the recently closed IGA and a vacant brick building, Bernice Shedd's Country Treasures continues to persevere as it has for half a century.
When Shedd started her business as a clothing store in 1960, Willsboro was a lot different, with the so-called downtown area thriving. Next to a Grand Union market, and with the school, bank, post office and other services occupying the busy streets, it was at a prime business location. However, over the years the services and the enterprises have either closed or moved to the village's extremities.
"Initially, nobody thought I could do it," Shedd commented, when reflecting on her initial idea of selling high-quality clothing and accessories in Willsboro. "I borrowed $1,000 and went to New York City to buy clothes wholesale. At that time, there was a paper mill in town, and people didn't go elsewhere to buy things. I even sold things right out of my car, as people were waiting when I drove up."
In the 1960s, Shedd would go door-to-door in New York City's garment district.
"It was a joke to them (the wholesalers and manufacturers)," Shedd chuckled, "as I only bought one or two things at each location."
In addition, the growing summer population of the 1960s was good for business.
"People from the city were happy to buy brand-name merchandise here, as it was cheaper than down there," Shedd explained. "It was good quality and no one around here had it."
Business started to wane when the malls opened in Plattsburgh.
"You can't compete with Plattsburgh," Shedd said. "Tambrands opened and women got more money and wanted bigger and better things."
About 20 years ago, when she was contemplating closing the store, Shedd held a yard sale, realized there was a market in previously owned goods, and decided to stay open selling lightly used items.
Surveying the emporium there involves viewing an eclectic profusion of treasures from salt-and-pepper shakers, small appliances and sporting goods to an assortment of clothing for all ages — from moderately used to new merchandise. During the recent filming of "Fish Ladder" in Willsboro, the cast and crew found Shedd's vintage assortment perfect to clothe the cast as well as decorate the set.
In addition to antiquated items, Shedd makes an effort to sell locally made crafts.
"It's given me something to do a few days out of the week," Shedd said. "I certainly have not gotten rich over the years, but it's been fun, especially meeting people."
The structure housing Country Treasures dates back to the early 1800s and over the years has been a post office, restaurant and — at the time Shedd purchased the building — it was a General Electric store.
Shedd would like to see the building on an historic registry.
Summing up the past half-century, the energetic proprietor mused,
"It's been an adventure."
Email Alvin Reiner at: rondackrambler@yahoo.com
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