The Corner Store marks first anniversary
PARIS – A new chapter has begun in the life of The Corner Store, a traditional mom and pop store at the corner of Nichols and High streets.
The owners, Jennifer and Michael Stewart, celebrated their first anniversary Friday to offer a special thanks to their regular patrons, who include many members of the towns’ road crew, police, fire and rescue departments.
“We wouldn’t be here without them,” said Stewart, who had big hugs for each of her regular customers as they came in. At the sandwich counter, her husband stood pounding dough for a fresh batch of pizza orders.
Balloons and a banner hung above the cozy tables where a sheet cake and punch had been laid out for the occasion.
The Stewarts said they had their work cut out for them when they bought the store Dec. 13, 2002. The store had never recovered from a 1999 armed robbery and shooting involving Bo Vaughn, the husband of then-owner Sue Bradford. Two years went by before the juvenile assailant, Chad Coolidge, was given a 10-year-prison sentence in the case.
After 9-11, the Stewarts wanted to relocate from West Bath, where Michael was a weapons designer for the defense department. They wanted to get away from a fast-paced life and run a small-town convenience store, somewhere not on a highway, Jennifer Stewart said.
“The Realtor brought us over here and as soon as I saw it, I said, ‘That’s it. That’s the one.'” Michael Stewart said.
As soon as long-time cashier Mary Allen hung some hand-made checkered curtains on the windows, he said, “people started bringing us in stuff to hang on the wall,” he said, pointing to several homey crafts and wall-hangings.
The Stewarts reciprocated with their own generosity. Every time there was a fire or a major accident, and emergency workers had to be on the scene for extended periods of time, they’d make sure the store was open and there was plenty of hot coffee and sandwiches available.
Town Manager Steve McAllister said, “We appreciate anything anybody does for the town. We have a lot of businesses that help us out in different ways.”
McAllister said he’s aware that a lot of town employees frequent the store, and said “it’s too bad that we don’t have more of these local mom and pop stores open. I’m glad that they’re operating, and I hope they do well.”
ggeraghty@sunjournal.com
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