Black’s Store celebrates 50th year

Black’s Store on Main Street in Hop Bottom STAFF PHOTO/STACI WILSON

Black’s Store on Main Street in Hop Bottom STAFF PHOTO/STACI WILSON

In 1967 Barbara (Black) Corey and her mother, Helen Black purchased the general store in Hop Bottom, following the death of then-owner Anita Doncaster.
“My mother used to help out in the store, so (Doncaster’s) nephew asked if we were interested in buying it,” Corey said.
And that’s when Black’s Store began 50 years ago on Main Street in Hop Bottom.
“I raised my family in that 50 years,” Corey said.
As the mother of three, “This wasn’t work for me,” she said. “They grew up in it and were as much at home here as in our own home.”
In keeping with the tradition, her daughter, Sarah, now works at the store. “For her two daughters, it’s the same thing,” Corey said.
In addition to her daughter, Corey also has help at the store from Debbie Norton.
“Without Sarah and Debbie, I probably couldn’t do this,” she said.
Through the years, a lot has changed in the store, but much remains the same. It is one of the only grocery stores in the area; and there is penny candy available.
Two years ago, they began serving lunch with daily specials posted each week. The store gets hectic around noon, Corey said, with many natural gas industry workers stopping in for the midday meal.
After 50 years, Corey sees many people who grew up in Hop Bottom who bring their children to the store to see the penny candy. “They look almost heartbroken if their want a candy bar instead,” she said.
Black’s Store is open Monday through Saturday, from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and closed on Sundays.

Be the first to comment on "Black’s Store celebrates 50th year"

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published.


*