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i Progress Edition of The Canadian Statesman, Wednesday, June 29,15CS 41 Unique Gift Shop Preserves History of Downtown Why are there meat- hooks on the ceiling? And what is the purpose purpose of the huge wooden wheel that rests at the top of the second floor? These questions are commonly asked by visitors visitors to Gould Cards and Gifts at 51 King St. E., in Bowmanville. Both of the aforementioned aforementioned features are part of more than a century of history behind the building. building. For you see, m addition addition to being a first rate gift shop and showcase of local handicrafts, the store also has preserved much of Bowmanville's past in a tangible way. Furthermore, the shop provides photo supplies, dried flower arrangements arrangements and a picture framing and mounting service. In the renovated rear building there's a complete line of quilting supplies and a studio for quilting and other country country crafts. When Patrick and Carole Gould took over the former Lander Hardware Hardware Store, they had extensive extensive plans in mind for renovation. They were especially impressed impressed with the rear building that had previously previously been used for storage storage and was sometimes referred to as "The Barn". 'We could see the potential in the barn, although although no one had done anything with it for 57 years," explained Rick Gould. work to turn the bam into a quilting shop and studio studio which is undoubtedly one of the most unique features of the business. Long-time Bowmanville Bowmanville residents will know that the gift shop was a bowling alley between between 1925 and 1959. Four of the lanes were torn apart and moved to Newcastle Village Community Community Hall where they are still in operation. But the remaining two lanes were simply torn up and stored in the barn. These discarded bowling lanes (numbers five and six from the old alley) became became the attractive floor of the quilt shop. The entire entire area was cleaned and re-painted and new back doors were installed. installed. Sports trivia buffs may be intererested in knowing that the only two perfect games in town were bowled on the two lanes which have been preserved in the quilt shop. Two of the features of the original building wére not changed but were incorporated into the present day decor. That is why if you look closely, you'll see the t meat hooks on the ceiling ceiling and the second- storey wheel which was part of the elevator mechanism mechanism used to raise and lower products such as apples and grain. Both architectural features features date back to the days when the building And so, they set to was part of a general store, grocery store, hardware store and butcher shop. A number of other items from the building's building's past are also on display -- things such as the original scorekeep- er's stands from the bowling alley and the benches also. In fact, the Goulds hope that the store will become a place where memorabilia from Bowmanville's business district can be kept together. The shop was originally originally owned by John Brown Martyn who was a general merchant. His son, Casey Martyn, put in the bowling lanes. Carole Gould, who made her first quilt when she was 12 and has been quilting and teaching teaching the craft ever since, estimates that about 400 people have studied quilting quilting in her studio last year alone. Other classes classes offered there include folk art, cross stitch, and smocking. "Our quilts have been sent all over the world," she adds. Countries such as Italy, Australia and France all have quilts made here in Bowmanville Bowmanville by Mrs. Gould and her staff. The Goulds estimate » thàt it took them one year to renovate the front of the store and another year to renovate the back. Much of the work was done by Patrick Gould, although members members of the family pitched in to help. These helpers include Mr. and Mrs. Morley Oke, the parents of Carole Gould, Carole's brother, John, and her son, Doug. The store is jointly owned by Carole and Rick and Phyliss and Doug Gould. As is true of any renovation renovation project, the owners owners discovered that there's still much more to do. Eventually, they hope to renovate two upper level level apartments to provide a suitable showcase for the reproduction antique furniture that is also offered offered for sale at Gould's. Meanwhile, the shop's history and its products will long remain an attraction attraction to both newcomers newcomers to Bowmanville and longtime residents. / GOULD CARDS AN0 GIFTS -, Ik. uustom ~ mercer *»hy wl A distinctive collection of one-of-a-kind gifts and decorating accessories made in our own shop to create that casual country atmosphere. Quilts ... Pillows ... Hoops ... Wreaths ... Placemats ...etc. • The best selection of calico fabric, books, stencils, classes Sept, to May • Christmas fabric stocked year-round • Expert quilting advice • Smocking, cross-stitch, folk art supplies and classes, wedding invitations, silk flowers and photography • Hallmark cards, party ware, gift wrap and candles • Complete line of custom framing done right , in our shop, includes limited editions, needlework, photographs and art work • We can copy old photos and have Benjamin film processing service Come in and browse in the friendly atmosphere of Gould's Cards and Gifts 51 King St. E., Bowmanville (416) 623-2404 "Serving the area since 1975" This wheel on the second storey of the quilt shop is a guaranteed conversation- starter. It was part of an elevating device used in the days when the building served as a general store. It's just one example of Bowmanville's history which has been preserved at Gould Cards and Gifts. • coffee 87 King St. E. • donuts Bowmanville • muffins • pies and cakes 623-4549 • soft ice cream OPEN • and more! Monday 5 a.m. until Saturday, 12 midnight Tempt Your Tastebuds With Our Delicious Treats! I