Sometime there are little family owned
shops which haven't changed in ages.
This was the case of Ortwine Hardware.
A little 'hidden gem' close to my neighborhood, this store finally
closed after 70+ years of business. On December 30th, a
couple friends and myself went to the shop and made some
purchases.
Now I can hear you ask, 'Carla, why are you
purchasing things at a hardware store?' Oh but gentle reader, Ortwine
was more than a hardware store. It was part of the True Value family.
Now, back in the day, True Values carried basically everything a
general store did, save for food. So your hardware, fishing poles and
accessories, kitchen supplies, envelopes, fabric and notions. Yes,
you read correct, fabric and notions.
The back of the store held a treasure
trove that the sewing version of Indiana Jones would swoon over. And
it seemed to be trapped in a little dusty(very dusty) time capsule. There were
novelty prints, an entire table of Christmas fabrics, knitting
needles, drawers of silk buttonhole twist, yarn as far as the eye
could see, and many many notions.
I tried to be good. Really I
did.
Got a couple really cute printed fabrics. I can see the yellow being a nice summer dress.
I could have really gotten myself in trouble with all these zippers. I mean, come on, they're
metal.
The little spool is silk buttonhole twist. I'm kicking myself for not getting more.
Around this time, the clouds were coming back in to pour more rain. But a pleat maker, and a buttonhole maker. Little things to help speed processes along.
Dress shields. but for a cap sleeve garment. I'll figure them out, I intend to make more.
I love the Jac-o-net typography. I just wish my hair were grey or white.
It is a terribly sad thing when a long time small business closes. My grandfather would go there to get his tools for around the house, my mom would get little knick-knacks, my grandmother and my father would go and get keys re-sharpened. Its the little things that can bring a community together like a common one-stop shop.
I hope who ever buys the place does more upkeep, and can keep some of the old stock to sell. Or keeps the same type of family owned quaintness. Either way, I wish the family much luck in their endevours, it felt good to help a small business one last time.
Have any of you experienced an old-fashioned True Value?
What are some notions you've purchased lately?
Do you have a favorite family owned business near by?
Labels: purchases
