OLD HARPERS LANDMARK BACK IN BUSINESS

The little old building at 323 Chestnut in Harpers Ferry, known for years as T.W. Melavan, is once again bustling with activity, thanks to its new owners, Connie Thorstenson and Donald Orth. Connie and Donald, both Harpers Ferry residents, were looking for a building to showcase Connie's talent as a handcrafter of artificial wedding flowers and various other items.
Connie's mother, Maggie Kleinschmidt, worked at T.W. Melaven for a time, and also helps out at her gift shop. “I remember, as a little girl, buying penny candy at the store. Little, as in ‘itty-bitty,’ Connie said.
After going out of business as a grocery store, the building was converted into offices for a time, and then sat empty for years. “We planned on renting the building,” Connie said, “but the owner put it up for sale, so we bought it.”
Orth, a construction worker, remodeled the store with the help of their children. “He and the kids all help me run the store on weekends,” Connie said. Their children are Aaron, Ashley, Becca, Dusty and Krystle. In addition, Connie's sister Jody Delaney, and her son, Shawn, help out. “It's a family oriented business,” she said.
Connie, along with her sister and mother, have been showing at craft shows on a part-time basis for a number of years. The gift shop consists mainly of merchandise handcrafted by local craftspeople and artists. Connie's specialty is artificial wedding flowers and wall decorations, such as swags and wreaths. She will take orders for special colors, etc. The store abounds with decorator birdhouses, along with other wood items. The birdhouses for sale include condos, one of which says, “Rooms for Wrent,” one in the shape of Noah's Ark, and another as a saloon.
The walls of the shop are adorned with assorted signs made from barnboard, drawings and paintings by local artists, along with assorted decorations handcrafted by Connie. In the back of the store one will find a large display of woven rugs, placemats and tablerunners, in addition to attractive quilts and wall-hangings.
Most impressive is the shop display of small furniture, which includes end tables and plant stands, along with a very attractive desk. Homemade soaps and candles and bread and soup mixes are in abundance as well.
Near the front of the store stands a display of copper and magnetic bracelets and rings. Connie points out that the copper is known to relieve arthritis and rheumatic conditions, while the magnetic bracelets relieve fatigue, improve blood circulation and reduce joint aches.
Being a coffee addict, I was most impressed with the quaint coffee nook located in a corner near the window. “The coffee pot is always on,” Connie said.
The couple plans to remain open year-round. They are busy planning a Christmas Fair, scheduled for the first week of December. The store hours are 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sundays. They are closed on Tuesdays. Their phone number is 319-586-2548.
“I want to thank the local people,” Connie said. “They have been very supportive.”