Block · one region of the page, as the scanner read it. It may hold a whole story, part of one, several, or an advertisement; stitching blocks into articles is the next step. Text is supplied OCR.
Page 9 · column 1 of 5 · from the scan, no model involved
BY TODD FORTUNE
Rappahannock NewsSpecial Writer
The Gay Street Mercantile in the Town of Washington offers “ a little bit of everything” according to the owners, Geneva Welch and Flo Phillips. Apart from the merchandise they sell, that also includes a piece of history. . The Gay Street Mercantile is located across the street from the Rappahannock Medical Center. They are in a building believed to be one of the original log cabins that existed in 1749, when George Washington surveyed and laid out the town that would bear his name.
In 1798, Jones’ Old General Store was operated by Edward Pendleton in this building. The building has also been home to a bus station, art gallery and book store. The Gay Street Mercantile has been there for approximately two years.
One note of interest to history buffs is that when you walk in, you will see a counter that was part of the original building. Another interesting fact is that until this year, the $hop was heated by a wood stove. During the summer they rely on a ceiling fan to stay cool.
The Gay Street Mercantile offers many items including art, furniture, glassware, ceramics, china, soaps and books. A number of these items have a history of their own.
Some things you will find are a Louie Viton chest that traveled aboard the ship Queen Mary. It even has the original tags from that trip.
You will also find a set of soup bowls made in Vienna, Austria in the early 1700s, and an Algraphone from the early 1900s which was originally purchased in London.
Phillips said that most of the items they sell are “old primitives ffom the valley.” The soaps, much of the art and ceramics, and a few other things are locally made. They also offer a wide variety of antiques.
In addition to the owners, six associates help run the shop. Maggie Bracewell, Carolyn Butler, Debbie Flournoy, Joan Herrema, Andrea Krajewski and Carol Miller, all contribute to the shop’s success.
According to Phillips, they pay “rent for an area” and everyone shares the work load and expenses. Welch, who is an artist, has a num
96.6%