A Tribute to the General Store

I love the small town charm of general stores. I grew up in one. Ken and Betty's "Stop and Shop" in Adolphustown, Ontario. Our signs were hand painted by my dad and we carried groceries, gas, novelties, and ice cream.... LOTS of ice cream! I would find myself up to my elbows on hot summer days, dipping scoops of flavours like tiger tail, rainbow, orange pineapple, grape and maple walnut, I pumped gas, sliced meat, stocked shelves, toted bags and blocks of ice, rang up sales and packed groceries in brown paper bags. Customers were friends and local news was the most important headline of the day. Stories were swapped and help was never more than a neighbour away. During the blizzard of '77 our store became an overnight hotel for stranded elementary children complete with a makeshift restaurant serving sandwiches, soup and of course chips, pop and chocolate bars. The kids were not in a hurry to leave once the storm had passed! I consider myself blessed to have grown up there, and I always had a part-time job. :)

This latest painting was a birthday gift for my husband, Kevin. His dad, Eric, was one of the original owners of JED'S in St. Eustache, Quebec. The 3 brothers Jeff, Eric and Dennis (JED) started the business after they came home from the second world war. JED's, like Ken and Betty's holds wonderful memories for many folks of sunny days, penny candy,

childhood friends and family adventures. This particular art piece has made me feel misty and nostalgic and it feels kind of like home.