Historic General Store in Dublin to Open One More Time

July 17, 2012 - PRLog -- It’s been 37 years since Kooker’s General Store in Dublin was open to the public’s eyes.

But in September, in conjunction with the borough's Centennial Celebration, owners Carol and Rod Shultz have decided to give visitors a peak at what life was like when the store was open from 1919 to 1975.

With four generations linked to Dublin, and three generations attached to Kooker’s General Store, Rod Shultz says he wants to promote the history that his childhood home and family store once was known for in the community.  

“I want to showcase the things my grandpop (Jacob M. Kooker) and grandmom (Mary Ellen Kooker) used to market and help people see and feel the history this building has,” he says.

Located at Route 313 and Maple Avenue, Kooker's General Store was not only a place to get your goods but it was a place for folks to congregate. From 1923 to 1975, the Dublin Post Office operated within the store.  While running the market, Shultz’s relativess - his grandmother, aunt and uncle - served as the borough's Postmaster/Postmistress for many years.

“We just hope that from showing our little general store that it sparks some enthusiasm and pride, making local people proud of the community they live in," says Carol Schultz.

“With so much history, stories, and growth, Dublin isn’t just a place to hang your hat at night when you clock out after work," adds Rod Schultz.

For the centennial celebration on September 8, the Shultz’s have lined up a number of interesting activities. World War II buff Bruce Williams will speak on the history of a local war hero Elmer Shultz (Rod's father). Barbara Hohenwarter will demonstrate the art of spinning and looming, while the Vietnam Veterans Association 590 will have a Vietnam-era troop carrier and helicopter and two World War II Jeeps on display.

The store and special displays will be open to the public free of charge on Saturday, September 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

“We not only will be in the store to answer questions and talk about the history, but all of these displays will have knowledgeable staff at them ready to go over any questions and share information," says Carol Schltz.

Dublin Borough will celebrate its Centennial Anniversary September 7-9 with a weekend full of fun activities, including a concert by the Philadelphia Funk Authority, 5 K Run, parade, car show, fireworks and kids' rides. Mayor Chris Hayes is spearheading a "Race for the Clock" to raise funds to purchase and install a clock in the center of town.

For more information about the Centennial Celebration, visit dublinborough.org.