May 2, 2014 (North Chili, NY) ─ Flipping through the pages of a general store ledger from 1891 gives a glimpse into a bygone era when you could shop for groceries, toys, clothing and even to make a phone call all in one stop. Historical reenactor Jim Brady from the Genesee Valley Country Museum shared a wealth of historical information and antiques with the residents at Westwood Commons in late-April.

According to Brady, the General Store was the place to go for whatever it is you might need, from coffee beans to a coffee mill to grind them in, a chamber pot, a bell, or the soap, wash bin and washing board you might need to do laundry.

“I think it’s safe to say, besides a few reproduction items, most of the pieces on this table are older than you,” Brady told the residents.

All of the items Brady had on display pre-dated the Depression with the newest item on the table having been made in 1928. Pictured above, Westwood Commons residents Virginia Montulli and Frank Ruggerio check out some of the general store antiques while Brady displays an old $2 bill as part of the Genesee Valley Country Village’s Traveling Museum program. Brady informed residents that it was illegal to own coin money during the Civil War as the metals were needed for producing weapons.

For more information about Westwood Commons, please contact Administrator Karen Shaffer at (585) 293-2060 or visit us on Facebook.