Penny candy

I am delighted to say that an article that I devoted several winter months (and a not inconsiderable amount of gasoline) to, has just been published in that lovely Hastings County magazine, 'Country Roads', produced  in Stirling by Nancy and John Hopkins.

This is a photo of a spot I totally fell in love with while interviewing folks and their general stores for the article - The Old Hastings Mercantile and Gallery. Lillian and Gary Pattison have created a nostalgic treasure-box of a store - part gift-shop, part vintage, part historic site, and part magic. Lillian says she wants to give today's children the kind of general store experience she had as a child, that feeling of wonder at the sheer bounty of the place, and a few sweet somethings that even a child can purchase. She wants to be remembered as the little old lady behind the counter, with the unforgettable penny candy. And she will. What a legacy the couple has created - their restoration vision was 20:20.

Visit Lillian and Gary Pattison and their wonderful Old Hastings Mercantile and Gallery in the spring issue of 'Country Roads'....or better yet, go see them behind the counter of their unique establishment. I strongly urge a day-trip to Ormsby. I've already posted about the Old Ormbsy Schoolhouse tea-room, a two minute walk from the mercantile....another absolute heaven for the nostalgic. The Pattison Package. Just do it.