It may be the End of the Commons, but you better make it the Beginning of the Day so you can fully immerse yourself in a bygone era so lifelike that you’ll wonder if you were pre-incarnated as your great great grandparent! (No – that’s not a real word, but it should be to describe this store!) Built in 1840 for a grand total of $600, the spirit of this original framework refuses to adapt to our ‘hurry-up-I-want-it-faster-than-now’ way of life, but instead, vehemently clings to the ‘mosey-on-through’ philosophy of its era. Once you pass through its doors and are under the cover of the original slate roof, you’ll succumb and feel as though you have all the time in world to just enjoy….
As you wander the somewhat creaky wooden floors, you’ll see an old barber chair – or is it a dentist’s chair? It all depends on what service you were seeking at that time as it served a dual purpose!
When you stroll past the checkout counter, you’ll see slots and boxes reminiscent of an old post office – oh wait! This WAS the post office – imagine that! But instead of buying stamps for a penny, now you can buy candy for – guess how much? Yep! A penny!
Do you hear a very faint hammering sound echoing from somewhere below? Nothing to be concerned about. Just those coffin makers doing their job. They are eternally grateful for their work…
This 173 year old, stacked-to-the-ceiling general store is owned and operated by Ken and Margaret Schaden and their 11 children. And it has just been invaded by spring! Says Scott Schaden, “We have recently stocked our shelves with a huge variety of spring themed baking sprinkles and spring time candies. You will find baking sprinkles shaped like flowers, bunnies, and chicks.
In addition to our large variety of old fashioned candies, we filled six doors of cooler space with old fashioned, glass bottle soda pop. You will also find an expanded line of hard-to-find house wares and kitchen gadgets including Granite-Ware cookware, stainless steel Rada knives, meat smoking supplies, food grinders, Camp Chef iron skillets, a full line of canning supplies and Mrs. Wages pickle mixes, and Ohio made crock pots. If you are in the mood to bake this spring, remember we are North East Ohio’s largest bulk food store and feature specialty foods, over 30 baking flours, assorted dried goods, gluten free products, sugar free candies, Amish country popcorn, penny candy, home made fudge, and a full service deli featuring Amish country meats and cheese.”
Words just aren’t enough, so let’s take a little tour!
With all the moseying you’ll be doing, no doubt you’ll need some good eats! “Don’t forget, the store also serves lunch and dinner in our country cafe,” Scott reminds us, “with seating for 25, a varied menu including hamburgers, chicken, made to order pizza, french fries, hot and cold deli sandwiches, a full service deli including made to order sandwiches, soups, salads and several specialty items.”
The End is where you need to begin. Step inside your great great grandparents world for a day at End of the Commons General Store. Fully handicap accessible.
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For directions call 440-693-4295.
