“It was the fun place to go for the kids, and it was a treat to go there and pick something out.”

Desmond has owned the village store for 15 years, making it a staple go-to stop shop in the community.

The store harbors a historic aesthetic and intrigue dating back to its grand opening over five decades ago, but it has shed its rustic and old-timer skin and now accommodates to a broader demographic and clientele.

‘We have had the five-and-dime image for a while, but we have worked to slowly change it. It is my hope to offer higher-end items and slowly change our look,” Desmond said. “A lot of people come in and say the store has a nostalgic look. We want to keep the homey feel and keep the memories but don’t want people to think that is all we carry.”

The Villager is a gift store and carries an eclectic variety of items, such as party goods, cards, stationary, books and decorations.

“Basically, anything you would need to plan a p arty or to buy a gift for someone,” Desmond said.

And if you are planning a wedding, The Villager also offers personalized wedding invitations.

Recently Desmond began selling Bera Bradly bags, which have become popularly across the country.

“The Bera Bradly bags are upscale bags with seasonal print patterns. We are starting a bag mailing list that is bringing in a different clientele,” Desmond said, adding the bags have become popular gift ideas amongst customers. “People will approach me at bridal shows and ask about the bags. The bags are selling very well.”

The Villager sells a lot of books and children’s literature; not as much as Desmond would like, she said, but if there is a book that a customer wants then special orders are available.

The store also possesses one thing that not too many stores can boast: The village’s post office is located in the back left-hand corner. Upon first entering, one may not see the post office amongst the books, cards, toys and pictures, but the blue and white eagle emblem signifying the U.S. Postal Service is there by a window with a smiling employee ready to help.

“It is really called a contact station. We can do just about anything, but we can’t do check-through customs or passports ... but practically anything else,” Desmond said.

The contact station carries the same hours as the store, which is 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday thru Saturday and it is closed on Sundays.

So, if you are in need of a good gift for a family member, friend or even for yourself; if you need to mail a letter or postcard, or if you just want to catch a glimpse of some village history, just visit The Villager.

Or for more information, call 271.0523.