The Walworthians: Businesses in Western Wayne County

The Walworthians

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

by Kate Chamberlin

Business in Western Wayne: Introduction

April 28, 2004

I walked into Walworth the other day. It is surprising how quickly a town can change. Potpourri of Gifts has re-located; the building is for sale. The old Town Hall is out; the Wee People Nursery School is in. The old Laundromat is out; the Cleary Insurance is in. Brock’s Grocery Store is out; the Post Office is in. I wondered what other businesses were in and around the hamlet and made some phone calls.

“Oh, there’s no list of members in the Walworth Chamber of Commerce,” stated Marlene Hall, Treasurer of the Walworth C-of-C and operator of the Walworth Hardware Store. “There are no new, active members. It exists for insurance purposes for the older members.”

“We used to have a pamphlet with the businesses listed,” said the Walworth-Seely Librarian who answered the phone and graciously went to look. “But, there isn’t anything in the file now.”

About 12-years ago, the then active Walworth Chamber of Commerce put together a list of businesses, but is only in the reference section (and out-of-date).

“I can send you a list of businesses,” said Frank Guelli, Walworth Town Supervisor.

He did, but right away I noticed that it is rather out-of-date, not to mention it only had the name of the business and the address – no phone, no personal contact name. I think I expected the list to be more complete due to the zoning regulations and registration mandates put into effect several years ago. Perhaps it is something to do with confidentiality, but, then, why be in business if it’s a secret?

My next call was to the Wayne County Business Council. “Your best bet would be each town’s Chamber of Commerce Directory,” Rita said and explained that the Wayne County Business Council is a non-profit organization supported by members’ $70 annual dues. The Council puts out a newsletter and sponsors seminars related to doing business.

Oh, Dear Gussie. I suspect that instead of bothering anyone else, I’d better get my information the old-fashioned way: Harness up my guide dog, walk into Walworth, and talk with folks.

NOTE: If you run a small business, such as tutoring, hair salon, print shop, craft sales, Baked goods for a restaurant, etc., out of your Western Wayne home or from a store-front, give me a call. Let’s chat.