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 