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| Grey County Warden Brian Milne, left, Grey Roots Museum manager Jill Paterson, project supporter Thomas Wheildon, Friends of Moreston founding member Don Sankey, and Grey Roots curator Sim Salata, right, celebrate the grand opening of Arnott General Store in Moreston Heritage Village, Friday, June 30, at the Grey Roots Museum and Archives. |
A brand new store in the Owen Sound opened its doors with a larger-than-life ribbon cutting, cake with blue icing, a jostling line-up – and absolutely nothing for sale but history, nostalgia, and charm.
Arnott General Store is the latest addition to the Moreston Heritage Village at Grey Roots Museum, its official unveiling Friday, June 30, marking the first new building at the county-owned and operated site since the one-room schoolhouse opened Canada Day in 2010.
More than 100 museum members and volunteers were treated to a first look at the brand new recreation of a 1920s-era Ontario general store, including a well-stocked dressmaker's shop tucked in the back.
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| Correct in every detail, down to the speechifying before the ribbon cutting, the Arnott General Store is a colourful addition to the main square – and natural focal point – of Moreston Heritage Village. |
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| Grey Roots Museum and Archives members and supporters anticipate a first look into yesterday's retail experience. |
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| New cabinetry, an antique counter, skillful recreations of century-old merchandise, and knowledgeable counter staff await the first visitors into the store. (Please click on pictures to enlarge.) |
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| The new store allowed curator Sil Salata to bring some of the musuem's collection out of storage. |
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| Counter talk is a huge part of the general store experience and this counter, from the historic Barrie Antique Mall, has seen more talk than most. |
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| Modern building technology meets historical recreation in the Arnott General Store. |
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| Old friends meet to share some music, laughs – and cake – during the opening festivities. |
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Moreston Historical Village, on the grounds of Grey Roots Museum, is open from 11:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Grey Roots Museum and Archives is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
More information is available on the Grey Roots museum website and Facebook page, and the Friends of Moreston Facebook page.
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– by Hub staff
David Galway
Sim Salata, Grey Roots Curator,