by Tom J. Walsh
Located at the junction of Route 28 and Elm Street (behind the
Mill Pond Diner) in Wareham stands The Old Company Store.
The
sign outside modestly says "Gifts & Gourmet Foods."
"But,
what could be rightfully added to that sign is 'we are this area's
#1 destination for Christmas gift shopping,'" says Sandi
Assad (co-owner with daughters Cindi Vonkahle and Shari Assad
Assant). "We also offer personalized gift certificates and
gift cards."
"That's an understatement," jovially
quips Vicki Heavey from behind her jewelry counter. "This
is seven rooms of every thing!"
"You won't get any
argument out of me, Vicki," observes Jane Cregg of Mansfield. "I
shop here quite often and I still get lost in this place."
"Plus,
I love the displays you folks put out," adds Jane, as she
eyes a display of Mariposa aluminum serving ware.
"Mariposa
makes unbelievable wedding service gifts," notes Vicki.
STOCKING STUFFERS - Shari Assad Aussant is all smiles
as she poses by one of the many Christmas displays at
the Old Company Store. The store offers "the largest
selection of stocking stutters you'll ever see," notes
Shari. "And we served hot spiced cider and coffee
all day long."
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STOCKING STUFFERS
"One of the things that
makes us the number one destination is that we offer the largest
selection of nice stocking stuffers you'll ever see," says
Sandi. "And if that's not enough to put you in the Christmas
spirit, try our hot spiced cider or gourmet coffee."
 KID
IN A CANDY STORE - Griffy Bryant appears to be eager
to help customers select some of the sweets made by Sweetshop
Candies at the Old Company Store. "Sweetshop Candies
delivers fresh candy to us every Friday," says Griffy's
grandmother, Sand/ Assad of the Old Company Store.
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CHRISTMAS OFFERINGS - Cindi Vonkahle (left) and Sophie
'J'of the Old Company Store show off one of the many
Christmas displays in the store. Located at the junction
of Route 28 and Elm Street in Wareham, it boasts
being "the number one destination for Christmas
shoppers in the area." The store features a
large selection of stocking stuffers and ornaments,
as well as candles, stuffed animals, gourmet foods,
coffee, candies and gift certificates.
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A
DESTINATION AND A JOURNEY
The
Old Company Store has been selling nails, brads and tacks
made by their neighbor, Tremont Nail Company, for well
over 200 years.
Slowly but surely it evolved into a "Nail & Gift Shop." Shari
Assad Aussant bought the store in April of 1993. With the dedicated
and loving help of her mom (Sandi) and sister, Cindi, working
in the store and Dad, John Assad (behind the scenes), it has
evolved into one of the most popular shopping destinations in
the tri-state area.
"But Christmas shopping here is more
about the journey than it is about the destination," states
first-time visitor, Tara Keller of El Segundo, California. "When
you shop where I'm from (California), you're not greeted and
serviced by such friendly and knowledgeable people. And, you
certainly are surrounded by all this history. I feel like I'm
in the middle of a Christmas card."
SERVICE WITH A SMILE - Pictured (left to right) Justine
Brown, Caryl Vermilya, Sandi Assad and Vicki Heavey
are seen in front of the jewelry counter at the Old
Company Store.
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 CHILDREN'S
SECTION - Cindy Vonkahle (left) and Shari Aussant
of the Old Company Store are seen amid a selection
of stuffed animals in the children's section of the
store.
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WHAT
TARA BOUGHT
"I won't be coming back to
this area for quite a while," states Tara. "So, as
you can see, I made the best of my visit."
A partial list
of Tara's purchases includes: two Pairpoint suncatchers; a B.B.
Becker bracelet with the engraving, 'at one glance, I loved you
with a thousand hearts'; one pair designerreading glasses; several
types of Burt' s Bee's Earth Friendly Natural personal care products;
a set of marble coasters depicting a map of Buzzards Bay; a dozen
or so Bean Pod® candles; three Willow Tree Angels (of which
The Old Company Store is a 'Platinum Dealer'); one Jelly Bean
Giraffe® stuffed doggie; one Ganz stuffed poodle and a 'Story
People' wall hanging.
And from the gourmet food section: an assortment
of Robert Rothschild gourmet dips and sauces; several varieties
of Wind & Willow cheeseball mixes; Vermont maple syrup; Lady
Walton's Gourmet Cookies; Jim's Gourmet Organic Coffee and an
assortment of Sweet Shop Candies.
Tara's final purchases were
a selection of heirloom ornaments and a few gift certificates. "Just
in case I forgot somebody," she concludes.
The Old Company
Stores holiday hours are Mon. 9:00 to 5:00, Tues.to Sat.9:00am
to 5:30pm & Sun. 11:00am to 5:00pm.
 NAUTICAL
DISPLAY - Vicki Heavey is showing off some of the
impressive display of nautical items carried at
The Old Company Store. This room also houses Willow
Tree Angels, of* which the Company Store is a platinum
dealer.
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 MOBILES
AND WINDCHIMES AND MORE - Caryl Vermilya of the Old
Company Store shows off a display of mobile and Story
People Wall Hangings, as well as Sippican Cottage
Furniture by Brian Andres. This section also houses
a selection of Pairpoint Glass and blown glass by
other local artists.
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