By Judy Garrison

Al and Darla Bradbury of Alfalfa’s Antiques

So many people have expressed sadness at the disappearance of two popular shops and their proprietors. At 72 Main Street, there is no longer a Mercantile or a Brooke’s Variety, and those stores and their offerings will be missed. But the good news is that the spaces will not be vacant. In fact, as we go to press The Tin Horn, in the former Brooke’s, will continue to carry an amalgamation of the items that sold well at both Brooke’s and Mercantile: penny candy, children’s toys, specialty items such as laundry fragrance, small antiques, and a wide spectrum of home décor items. Catherine and Charles O’Neill, of Brooklyn and Tunis Lake (and parents of chef/owner Ed O’Neill of the Andes Hotel) now own the building, and as Tin Horn proprietors will continue to stock merchandise that has proved popular over time. In addition, they are handling jams and jellies made by Carol Tubbs, and other non-perishable food items, like mustards and chutneys. Catherine credits Brooke with being instrumental with work, guidance and planning during the transition, including buying new items for the store. Eva Williams, formerly a store manager at Mercantile, has also been active behind the scenes with the transition and will continue to assist. Debby Marmaro is the face you, will see behind the counter. She will help you with holiday purchases including many stocking stuffers and office gifts. Store hours for now are Saturday and Sunday, 10-5 pm, with extra hours as Christmas nears.

At the former Mercantile, in his new store named Alfalfa’s Antiques, you will encounter the dynamic presence of owner, Al Bradbury, whom you may know from his shop at Tinker’s Village on Route 28. He represents his offerings as eclectic, and that they are, ranging from the 1800s to 2000. If it’s not something he would have in his own home, he won’t include it. Some of the items on the floor are a Bull’s Eye couch, a well-priced caned-seated oak chair set, and a colorful mosaic-tiled side panel and kitchen door from the Woodstock Pub; a few merit a second look, such as a mounted faux bear’s head. His wife Darla, who will be a fellow proprietor, has her jewelry on display in its own case. They expect to be open Thursday through Sunday throughout the winter.

72 Main Street is still alive and well, so come on by when you are in town. ~