The Walworthians: Carol Doud, “Country At Heart”

The Walworthians

A collection of telephone interviews published in the Wayne County STAR Newspaper and Wayne County MAIL Newspaper, 1994-209

by Kate Chamberlin

July 16, 1997

Carol Doud is one of the people in our neighborhood. She is a proud grandmother of four and the owner of Country at Heart, formerly the historic Auction Gallery, at 2056 Walworth-Penfield Road.

The practice she and her husband have had throughout the years in taking old homes in the Buffalo area and fixing them up to look great has really paid off. Surely you’ve noticed how nice the newly renovated Walworth Firemen’s Hall looks!

Although, the grand opening of Country at Heart was on Saturday, July 12th, we were able to sneak a preview after the Friday night Firemen’s Parade.

Even before I entered the building, I appreciated the access ramp, which would also be handy for dollies moving out newly purchased large items. Just in the wide front door, my husband remarked on all the work they’ve done to clean up the floors, light the interior and apply a fresh coat of paint.

Carol has grouped her country wares in interesting room settings. In her kitchen, an invitation to set a spell’ seems reminiscent because of the large farm table and chairs. Nearby are several old stoves Carol uses to display foods such as pastas in shapes for special occasions, fragrant jams and tasty jellies.

I’m going back for the almond and poppy seed muffin mix!

Her living room features country tables, chairs, hutches and a Homestead line of lamps, shades, fixtures and everything you’d need for just the right lighting in your own home.

The Men’s Den features upholstered furniture with a sport’s theme for the golf enthusiast

The child’s country bedroom is one that is sure to bring sweet dreams! There is a baby cradle that’s sure to become a family heirloom.

“At this point,” Carol said, “I’m not thinking of taking any consignments.”

This is Carol’s second store. She is hopeful that this new Walworth location will be just as successful as her first Country at Heart located in Penfield.

The Doud’s have three grown children, Lanny, Tracy and Danielle. Carol and Larry moved here from Penfield about four years ago after their youngest child was graduated from high school. They purchased the Wyse’s old homestead on Walworth-Marion Road.

“We were on the way to look at another location,” Carol said, “when we went past this home. I told Larry, that place has real possibilities.”

Each Monday, Carol puts away her entrapreneur demeanor and becomes the proud grandmother as she hostesses Jessica, Jenna, Ali and Cassy in her home.

“We moved to Walworth because my husband always wanted to live in the country,” Carol said, “and I like the closeness of a small town.”

Carol has used local folks to help her renovate the building to accommodate Country at Heart.

“Gary Germano and Bob Dentico have been terriffic. If I weren’t so crazy about hearts, I’d be tempted to name this “Bob and Gary’s Place” she laughed.

Originally, the Auction Gallery was owned by the Firemen. They rented it out for special events, but, there are a lot of folks who remember the round and square dances held every Friday night.

“I have a lot of happy memories about those dances,” Arlene Youngman said. “I danced every Friday night in the early 1940s until after I was married. Then, you-know-who doesn’t like to dance!”

Lavern and Beryl Morrison knew of each other from being in school, but, it was the square dancing that brought them together during the late 1940s.

“There was usually a basketball game on Friday night,” Lavern said. “I’d stay for that and then walk over to the dance.”

Gordie and Katie Youngman held their wedding reception in the Firemen’s Hall in 1950.

Thank you Carol, for ushering our historic building into the millennium with grace and dignity. You are a

Walworthian with the accent on worth.

2018 Up-Date: The Doud’s have moved out and Kord’s Pool Supplies has moved in.