Schoharie Mercantile Has Ribbon Cutting, Grand Reopening

SCHOHARIE _ Ruth Anne Wilkinson's idea for creating a home for local artisans is alive and well at 295-1 Main Street in the Village of Schoharie.

Wilkinson, her husband and co-owner John Wilkinson and many friends and supporters enjoyed a ribbon cutting and grand reopening celebration at the Wilkinson's Schoharie Mercantile on Saturday, Aug. 22.

The business has actually been open since May at its current location after moving from another Main Street space where it had been located for about two years. Saturday was a time to take joy in what has been accomplished so far.

Inside the store are a variety of items, with the large majority coming from vendors in Schoharie County and some from nearby spots. Available at the Mercantile are various breads, maple syrup, candies, tea, jewelry, flowers, crocheted and knit items, spices, books by local authors, pictures painted by John Wilkinson _ a folk artist _ and many other items.

"It was my idea," said Ruth Anne Wilkinson of the Mercantile. She also owns Generations, a Schoharie consignment shop, and is active in other ventures in and around Schoharie.

"Local artisans desperately needed a place like this, and they deserved one," she continued. "We're very happy. Like they say, if you build it, they will come."

John Wilkinson said the Mercantile now has 25 to 27 local vendors providing merchandise.

"This is wonderful," he said. "The place looks great. It was a complete wreck when we first took it over. But now it sets such a great stage for our vendors."

The Wilkinsons credited the Mercantile's landlords, Gregory and Agni Verroias, with doing a great job fixing up and renovating the space.

The Mercantile is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day of the week. "I think it's important to be open every day to establish consistency with customers," John Wilkinson said.

Attendees at Saturday's event shared in the Wilkinson's happiness.

"Welcome to the Village of Schoharie," said Schoharie Promotional Association President Darlene Patterson. "This is definitely a plus for Main Street."

Added Village of Schoharie Mayor Colleen Henry "We're blessed to have John and Ruth Anne. We're very, very happy."

Adding to Saturday's festivities was the appearance of author Frank Meredith, who was signing his various books on travel and the Civil War.

For more information, call the Mercantile at 518-295-6030.