Ok, Woodstock Early Birds. Here’s what we know from multiple sources very close to the Barnard General Store closing, possible re-opening DRAMA.
(A preliminary aside referencing early photo posts (to get THAT out of the way). The photos were connected in this way: Kurt Lessard was involved in both a plan to buy the BGS and the opening of the Worthy Burger. Jason Merrill, who now works for the Wood Mountain Fish company is a partner in the Worthy Burger. Got it? Woodstock Early Birds were getting agitated wanting to know all the connections. But enough about that…)
So, back to the BGS. First, of note, some of our sources, who we will simply refer to as “The Porch People” inform us — as background — that everyone in the Barnard community is exhausted from what the PP folks say is “unnecessary drama” since “The Girls” aka “The Ladies” (Carolyn and Kim) made it known they would have to shut down the store, eatery, beverage provider, ice cream cone cooler and provisioner for Silver Lake.
The PP say the community has now assumed a roll-the-eyes war-torn approach to any news concerning the Barnard General Store. They says that immediately upon learning of this event (the early May shut-down of this community anchor) a semi-organized group of “Save the Store” people got together in emergency session — as it were — to see if they could fundraise (again?) to keep the BGS open.
Turns out, our sources say, there was no need for that since a group known to most Woodstock Early Birds: Kurt Lessard, John Snyder and Peter Vollers were working on a deal to buy the store. (WEB has corrected that PV was not an investor, just involved in the negotiations). The businessmen, sometimes sullied for actually wanting to run a business, have been in negotiations for several weeks with the sole owner of the property, William Twigg-Smith.
(Another update: We would be remiss to not mention that Barnard’s Rock Webster was also part of “The Boys” interested in contributing to a new BGS. We are told that last winter Rock did quite a bit of excavation work to help make the property “acceptable” for sale.)
Woodstock Early Bird saw a flash of keys to the property. These gentleman, having been close to the accounting practices of the previous operators, hoped to do things differently — perhaps with less Kumbaya and more financial edge — and see if they could keep the BGS open but operating out of the RED and in the BLACK.
Now, Woodstock Early Bird has learned that the KL, JS, PV deal is OFF. There is, at this time, no buyout by this particular group of the realtors, attorneys and financial providers of the BGS.
Now, before you start rolling your eyes, be prepared for MORE DRAMA. The story is not over:
A non-profit group (the one loosely organized before) is set to figure out a way to re-open and operate the Barnard General Store as a “non-profit.” We hear that providing gas at the pump was one very expensive issue and service but the summer’s a wasting and locals who sit on the porch haven’t seen much activity. For those who have appreciated the BGS, let’s hope the activity level picks up.
Woodstock Early Bird has placed calls to certain principles involved and will get more information as we know it.
That is all we know. Simply put: The Girls are Out! And Now… The Boys are OUT!
Julia Carlisle
Woodstock Early Bird 
Posted by Dana Bargezi on May 29, 2012 at 10:11
To the Early Bird reporter. The BGS is a serious matter for those of us who live in Barnard. It effects more than those who come to the store for Saturday or Sunday brunch. Have a little more respect. The “DRAMA” is real. Take it seriously.
LikeLike
Posted by Julia Carlisle on May 29, 2012 at 10:17
Dana, glad you wrote. Actually it was my intention to make public the fact that this is a DRAMA that is creating a lot of angst in the community and all the twists and turns, accordingly to my sources, ARE exhausting. I apologize to you if that did not come through. To my knowledge this is the first acknowledgement in the press that this has been a wrenching experience that appears ridiculous from the outside because it has so many ups-and-downs. I often try to use humor to highlight serious issues. Sometimes it is effective. Sometimes not. I hope this is all settled soon for everyone’s benefit! WEB
LikeLike
Posted by Chris Balcer on May 29, 2012 at 10:11
Not to be a stickler but it’s “Wood Mountain Fish” 😉
LikeLike
Posted by Julia Carlisle on May 29, 2012 at 10:14
Stickler is good, I’ll correct! WEB
LikeLike
Posted by Margaret (Peggy) Kannenstine on May 29, 2012 at 10:39
Is Worthy Burger any relation to “Worthy Man House” in the great stone house back on Mechanic St ????
I am so sorry to learn that the fate of the B G store is still up in the air!!!
Peggy, WEB checked about possible “Worthy” connections and we are told there is ZERO connection. But, yes, we wondered the same, which would have created an additional degree of separation puzzle connecting everyone!
LikeLike
Posted by Paulette Osborne on May 29, 2012 at 12:40
I have to say, I am just visiting and I have heard all the same rumors. I was thinking about someone running it as a non-profit since that what it seems to be. lol but i don’t really know how that would work. I get the idea of getting rid of the kumbayah attitude but you still need a little of that. so whoever takes over, please keep that in mind. I would love to run it but I live in NYC right now. I would offer to come up and help whoever opens it. It is so sad being here in Barnard without it. I like your posts Julia.
LikeLike
Posted by Paulette Osborne on May 29, 2012 at 12:44
Dana, I didn’t see your comment when I wrote mine and you are so right. There is a big hole in your community. I was taking pictures of the signs in the window the other day and two women drove up and the older woman who was the passenger asked what happened. she was probably in her 80’s and said she had been coming to the BGS since she was 8 yrs. old. She looked so sad. I totally understand. I wish the Post Office were still in the store, don’t you think that would have helped?
LikeLike
Posted by Nina on May 29, 2012 at 16:19
Bill Twigg Smith is the owner, I believe not Jason Twigg Smith
LikeLike
Posted by Julia Carlisle on May 29, 2012 at 17:17
We’ll go with this for the moment until we hear from the participants otherwise. Thanks! WEB
LikeLike
Posted by vbrooks on May 30, 2012 at 09:09
No sure post office would have helped much – currently all level B (I think they call them) small rural PO’s are on the list to close or go to 1/2 day. Unfortunately most country and general stores are “nonprofits” – because the folks who run them do it for the community “good” as well (this is where the kumabayah comes in to play) as trying to eek out a living.
I ran a 3 million dollar nonprofit for 25 years – in the black and making money (of course it all went back into the business) and it was not nearly as hard as running a small country store. The margins are so small you have to sell SO much to make any money at all – no amount of sharp business skill can change that.
If you want to use local vendors who produce small batches of product your margin just went down. We have owned the Taftsville Store for almost 2 years and have yet you take any money out of the store – currently with the T-ville and Quechee bridges out our sales are down by as much as 40% – we are not even covering our costs at this point.
Ok – too many staff, you say – nope only me 60 hours a week and a part time person 10-15 (we are open 70 hours a week) – cut costs ??? hummm, winterized but oil is still expensive, freezer has gone out twice this year – lost food and repair bills –property, payroll, unemployment, sewer taxes, electricity, internet for mail order, phone, building repairs and upkeep……
Not complaining just sayin’ it is nearly impossible to do. Advertising, forgetaboutit – can’t afford it. I am creative, energetic, work hard – but I cannot compete with the economy, flood, Route 4 being re-paved this year, Happy Valley Road bridge being out 2 months this summer for repair, no snow=no skiers, a bridge out that they have not even started work on (nor even bid the project from my last update – earliest completion time is estimated at the end of 2013).
We love Vermont, our store, our community and our hamlet – and will do whatever it takes to make it work as long as we can. I say good on the “girls” for making it work as long as they did at BGS – let’s be gentle with them – they did their very best for a long time.
What our small stores need is a commitment of folks to each buy $20.00 a week worth of stuff – those who can – it would make a huge difference. We don’t carry what you want? Anyone who comes in here knows if I can get it for you I will – my pleasure. We aren’t just a retail business – we are the local “news”, local and state tour guides, givers of directions, a trash can for your travel garbage, a bathroom, a place to leave your car while you fish, kayak, bike, hike, where the lost dog is brought, where packages for neighbors are left, brokers for apartments for rent, a sweater to borrow for a wedding outside that is chillier than you thought it would be (yup this is real – an “out of towner” borrowed my sweater for the evening) , place to borrow wine glasses, blender, store a cake and food for your family reunion in our “big fridge”, a way station and adult eye for your child while they are waiting for their ride – and more.
That is what we LOVE about the store – and I think others do as well. I don’t want to lose this part of who we are – let’s keep our store going so we don’t have to figure out how to open them back up.
LikeLike
Posted by Julia Carlisle on May 30, 2012 at 09:56
Victoria,
Thank you for this passionate and comprehensive read-out of what it takes to run a “General Store”. It helps our understanding of all the details and economic challenges involved. We hope that the Taftsville Store will remain a strong part of the community under your leadership and management!
You ask that we go easy on “The Ladies”. Indeed, we love them for having provided a place to congregate and for their genuine interest and kindness and hours and hours of work over all these years. However, the fact remains, as you have indicated, there comes a point where if vendors, property owners and others are not getting paid (as was the case for YEARS), the only graceful solution is to honestly say, “We can’t do it” and not make a fuss about leaving.
Our understanding is that BGS has continued to operate for so long due to the very discreet and incredibly large generosity of several Barnard residents who essentially floated the operation. They helped willingly but the BGS could not continue as a public assistance operation underwritten into perpetuity by a few wealthy citizens so that everyone could feel good as they sat on the porch or used the “beach” space by Silver Lake which is actually private property.
We think it is unfair to label those who wished to buy the store (The Boys) from its owner and run it in a different fashion as “conspirators” who pushed out “The Ladies”. There has been some general unpleasant murmuring about this. It is just not true. “The Ladies” were treated well for years and it was time (for many reasons we understand — NOT just economic) for this phase of their life to end. We wish them well and thank them for their service!
WEB
LikeLike
Posted by vbrooks on May 30, 2012 at 09:25
This is from Victoria Brooks who operates the Taftsville General Store. She contributes often, intelligently and respectfully to the discussions here at Woodstock Early Bird:
THANK YOU to all of the folks who come into our store and the other small local businesses – you are so very appreciated!!! You are why we are here – that should have been my opening sentence – my emotion got the best of me – my apologies.
LikeLike