Thursday, February 6, 2020
www.plainvillecitizen.com
Volume 17, Number 1
Old Blue Barn owner to retire, close up shop Old Blue Barn patrons will have to find a new place to pick up unique Christmas presents, birthday gifts and souvenirs.
The store will remain open until its merchandise has been depleted. Spurred along by a 25 percent clearance discount, Krysiak estimates that will take around six to eight weeks.
Fran Krysiak, owner of the 270 North Washington St. business, announced that she’s retiring and the store will be closing. “It’s bittersweet, this is a lot of fun,” Krysiak said.
Krysiak opened the store in 1994, taking over the Bargain Barn when her brother retired and transforming the discounted goods retailer into a gift shop. See Shop, A7
Resident’s collection of antique Valentines on display The Plainville Senior Center is displaying a collection of more than 250 antique Valentines that Senior Center member Joyce Goldberg inherited from her mother, who was born in 1915 in the New Haven area. Dorothy Murray Goldberg grew up during the Depression and treasured many mementos, including Valentine cards she received over the years.
JoAnn Martin browses the wares at The Old Blue Barn in Plainville on Tuesday, Feb. 4. After 25 years in business, the gift shop will soon close. Devin Leith-Yessian, The Citizen
“The first Valentine she received as a child in 1916 is one of my favorites,” said Joyce Goldberg, who makes her home in Plainville.
“Some of these old Valentines have moveable parts and are made carefully and beautifully.” Also, Joyce recalls how her mother painstakingly saved all the Valentines that she and her twin brother Donald received in school. When Donald was very ill a few years ago and in the hospital, Joyce brought him his old Valentine cards from his childhood. Her brother inspected each card carefully, reading the names of the classmates who sent them. With tears in his eyes, he thanked his sister for bringing him greetings that trans-
ported him back to happier times. “I treasure my collection and love to put them on display in my house every year,” Goldberg said. “I hope my friends at the Plainville Senior Center enjoy them too.” The Valentines will be on display at the Senior Center, 200 East St., throughout the month of February. Visitors are welcome to view the special collection 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday. -- Press Release
Plainville’s oldest funeral home with over 130 years of serving the community. Blaire L. Bouchard, Funeral Director 48 Broad Street Plainville, CT 06062 • 860-747-2295 • Bailey-FuneralHome.com
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By Devin Leith-Yessian The Citizen