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A Main Street “Must” - Mid-Century and now!
by Stephanie Olsen
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125 Main Street is the shorter building pictured above. At the time this photo was taken in the 1940s, it was a Rexall Drug Store. |
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Walking home from school in the 1960’s, Joan Hansen Eldred always looked forward to stopping by the A. Holliday Gift Shop, 125 Main St., with her friends, to get a lemon blend or a chocolate coke from Miss Holliday herself or from one of the other kind ladies who worked there. Joan remembers Mary McDermott humming behind the soda counter as she created delicious drinks for young and old alike. She also remembers the beautiful gifts Addie Holliday had on display.
I remember those gifts myself – there were always a few items that could be purchased by a child who had saved up her allowance to buy something special for her mother. I also remember the aroma of coffee (and cigarette smoke, to be honest) when I’d open the door to go in and gawk at all the pretty things.
Among other offerings, Addie Holliday sold Syracuse China, greeting cards, jewelry, and even Keepsake diamond engagement rings and wedding bands. One of customers’ favorites was her selection of Fanny Farmer Candies.
The Holliday Shop was sold in the early 1970’s and continued for some time as a gift shop. Starting in 1980, the store housed The Mulberry Bush, advertised as Penn Yan’s only “kid’s toggery.” For a while in the late 1980’s antiques were on offer at 125 Main, then very briefly, there were plans for a Chinese restaurant to be opened.
In 1993 the young lady with a taste for lemon blend bought 125 Main St, totally renovating it with her husband Bruce, and moved her business, The Nest Egg, from its Elm Street location to what was the Holliday Gift Shop. Joan continued the tradition of selling quality gifts, and greeting cards, adding apparel and much more to local shoppers and visitors.
The Nest Egg is still a very popular stop on Main Street for many. Now owned by Joan’s daughter, Heather Griffiths, the store still offers greeting cards, but also Finger Lakes items, and a specialty: her FLX Buffalo line incorporates the love of the Finger Lakes and the Bills!
There has been no soda fountain for 50 years or so, but I can still get a whiff of coffee when I walk in the door – is it Adelaide Holliday’s spirit?
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