Wednesday, 05 February 2020 14:56

Architecturally Speaking - Bringing Folks Together at the Vischer Ferry General Store

By Wendy Hobday Haugh | News

It takes some pretty amazing villagers to purchase a burned-out, mid-1800s building and restore it to its original splendor. But that’s exactly what happened in the case of the Vischer Ferry General Store, located at 357 Riverview Road, Rexford. 

After fire swept through the structure in 2013, three local couples—Paul and Joanne Coons, George and Karan Donohue, and Louise and Tom McManus—banded together to purchase the building, comprised of a store and two apartments, and renovate it in a historically accurate and energy efficient manner.

Each of the couples had a personal interest in resurrecting the damaged structure. Louise and Tom McManus live in the historic home to the left of it, the Donohues in the gray farmhouse to the right, and Paul and Joanne Coons have a passion for purchasing historically significant homes and restoring them to their former glory. In fact, they once owned and refurbished the 19th century Greek revival residence that the McManuses now call home. 

“The fire enabled us to see all the original features that had long been hidden behind sheetrock walls, drop-ceilings, and carpeted floor,” says Louise McManus, who now owns and operates the general store portion of the building. “The newer features took the brunt of the fire damage and protected the historic materials. Incredibly, we were able to salvage and refinish most of the original floor planks throughout the building. Replacement boards were sourced from an old barn in Fort Plain.”

Although Louise had never specifically dreamed of owning her own business, she had always aspired to do something creative. When her 10-year career at a Saratoga bridal shop wound down just as the renovation project was materializing, she found herself intrigued by the creative opportunities that might come of bringing an old-time general store back to modern-day Vischer Ferry. In its heyday, the store had been a gathering spot for locals and a popular stop for canallers along the Erie Canal. Given its proximity to the 740-acre Vischer Ferry Nature & Historic Preserve, Louise believed that the store could once again become a popular stop for visitors as well as a vibrant community hub for local residents. 

“I’ve always enjoyed curating merchandise,” Louise says, “and I loved the idea of bringing food and retail together.” Each month, she arranges special onsite events like an evening pizza truck, a Saturday outdoor antique market, or a Lebanese afternoon tea. 

Louise’s creative flare is further showcased in her stunning seasonal and holiday displays, both in-store and throughout the grounds. “I love decorating—especially the truck!” she says, referring to the green,1950 Studebaker pickup truck parked out front to welcome visitors to her establishment. 

The Vischer Ferry General Store is well-known for its scrumptious breakfast sandwich, distinctive beverages, and mouthwatering baked goods. “Our menu varies daily,” says employee Jenna Batchelder, who does some of the cooking and baking, “and we’re always trying new things.” 

Popular items include challah bread French toast, soups, salads, sandwiches, crustless quiches, and wraps. And check out the made-from-scratch sweet treats like sea salt milk chocolate chip cookies, chocolate pecan pie, and maple bacon scones! Gluten-free options are always available.

Property co-owner George Donohue is the kitchen’s head chef. “I’ll find a new recipe online and try it, then play with it, adjusting it ‘til I get it right. Our customers give us ideas, too,” he adds. “We’re always open to suggestions.” 

George, a retired 40-year automobile mechanic, enjoys making people happy. “In my old job, I’d hand someone a $500 repair bill and they’d leave unhappy. Here,” he grins, “I give them a $10 meal, and they leave happy. It’s nice to be on the other end.” 

Louise credits George for locating the store’s crowd-pleasing Studebaker. “One day I told George that I’d really love to have an old green pickup truck parked in front of the store. A day or so later, he walked in and told me he’d found us the perfect truck!” 

One of George’s contacts from his many years as a mechanic not only graciously lent Louise her dream vehicle but allowed her to detail it with the store’s name and catchy slogan: Gather, Shop, Eat. 

In addition to food, the Vischer Ferry General Store carries a distinctive line of gift and souvenir items. A tinier shop out back, christened The Shed, also houses an eclectic array of vintage gifts and curios. In fair weather, four cruising bikes can be found parked nearby. 

“We added the bikes last June,” Louise says.
“We encourage our visitors to enjoy a nice bike ride, explore the preserve, then stop back afterwards for a bite to eat. Our staff is always happy to offer suggestions on where to go or what to do.”

When asked if her initial goals for the store have been realized, Louise McManus beams. “Realized and exceeded! The positive response from our customers and the community has been overwhelming and heartwarming. Looking ahead, I hope to collaborate with even more local business owners and bring in many more special events. The possibilities are endless.” 

Vischer Ferry General Store hours: Thursday & Friday, 8-5; Saturday & Sunday, 8-3. To learn more, visit www.vischerferrygeneralstore.com. 

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