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The coronavirus pandemic has created many challenges for small businesses like the historic landmark, the Old Stone House, 313 Chestnut St., downtown Morgantown. Closure for four months brought inevitable financial hardships.
Service League of Morgantown, owner of the National Historic Site, were forced to abandon its traditional time-honored holiday events serving spiced tea, homemade cookies and food samples to crowds of shoppers and figure out safe alternatives.
The blueprint going forward — modified hours of business, private shopping appointments, strict safety protocols and personalized customer service.
The Old Stone House is in it for the long run in 2020, as its Holiday Shopping Marathon kicks off. Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday through Dec. 20, shoppers are invited to step back in time at the house that dates to 1795, celebrate the holiday season and select unique gifts at “the gift shop that gives back.”
Shop hours are from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Friday-Saturday and noon-4 p.m. Sunday. Safety protocols are being followed, masks must be worn and a maximum of four shoppers are allowed in the shop at one time. Private shopping appointments during hours the shop is closed to the public are available and encouraged by calling or texting “private shopper” at 304-685-5947.
Small Business Saturday on Nov. 28 is the only exception, with extended hours from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The annual Jingle Bell Sale is set for Dec. 4-6. A jingle bell will be chosen for a discount of 10-30% off a total purchase.
Customers may shop knowing their dollars will directly benefit their community. Profits from the shop sales enable the league to support many community projects in Monongalia County.
The Old Stone House is the oldest stone dwelling in Monongalia County. Since 1935, the building has served as the headquarters of Service League of Morgantown. The gift shop is maintained and staffed solely through the volunteer power of service league members. There are no paid employees or managers. Service league was one of the recipients of the 2015 Governor’s Service Award.
Coordinating the efforts of service league members in the transformation of the quaint historic 225-year-old house into a festive yuletide showcase will be buyers for the gift shop, Marlene Pope and Frances Brown.
Handcrafted and hand-stitched items are what many customers seek out at the gift shop. Rama Riemenschneider guides this committee comprised of league members who contribute a wide assortment of handmade items.
Crocheted scarves in Mountaineer colors, Christmas pillows, “Mommy and Me” aprons, spiced tea bags, bowl cozies, ornaments and kitchen boas are among the merchandise for sale.
Adorned in its Christmas finery and brimming with a selection of ornaments, gifts, West Virginia-made items, West Virginia foods and seasonal gift baskets, the National Historic Site is transformed into a holiday shopping wonderland.
Included among the bestselling items are Blenko glass, Naked Bee body products, West Virginia landmark jigsaw puzzles and East Wheeling Clay Works ceramics. Gnomes and seasonal décor are other favorites. West Virginia foods include Uncle Bunk’s, Blue Smoke Salsa, Mountain State Honey, Family Roots Maple Syrup, West Virginia Fruit and Berry, Up the Creek Gourmet Mustards, Leavitt Farm Moonshine Jelly and Appalachian Mountain Specialty Salad Dressings. Cooke Tavern soup mixes and Wind and Willow food items are also popular.
Gift shop profits are used to fund assistance to local social services and nonprofit agencies in Monongalia County.
In the 2019-20 fiscal year, donations totaling $7,601 were shared with various organizations such as Energy Express, RDVIC, CASA For Kids, Empty Bowls, Pantry Plus More, St. Ursula Food Pantry and Outreach, Meals on Wheels, Christian Help, The Shack Neighborhood House, Scott’s Run Settlement House, Bartlett House, Stepping Stones, Community Kitchen, Mon County Child Advocacy Center, Catholic Charities and Caritas House.
Through donations of volunteer time, league members also assist with many community outreach programs. The pandemic halted its usual help with the annual Stepping Stones’ Arts Festival, Shelley Marshall Foundation nursing home teas and monthly bingo parties for Sundale Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care residents. But the league continues the adoption of Sundale residents at Sundale and participates in its Presents for Patients program, provides meals at Circle of Friends and furnishes Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets and gifts to four Head Start families.
This year, the league’s Coat Project has purchased coats and warm clothing for 75 Early Head Start children and their siblings. And a Service League team participated in the recent virtual Alzheimer’s Walk and through personal donations fund-raised $5,000.
In its 85 years of existence, the league has contributed more than $401,100 back to the Morgantown community. This includes over $26,000 to the Morgantown Public Library, roughly $82,537 toward books for Mon County School libraries and over $292,600 to other charitable organizations throughout the county.
Info:www.facebook.com/OldStoneHouseGiftShop.
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