Behind bars: Old jail becomes art and fine craft gift shop
By Meghan Millea
September 9, 2016
738
About a year ago Jane Braddock met with a group of volunteers to discuss ways to make their community run- and-owned library sustainable in the years to come. The completely volunteer-driven organization had managed to stay open on a shoestring budget of $25,000 a year thanks to generous donations.
As the librarys volunteer director, Braddock recognized the need for another source of income. Thats when a friend approached her about the idea of utilizing the Fredericksburg Jail, possibly as a shop. The old jail was built in 1916, and for a few decades it was known as a spot to hold people who had had a very good time and needed a safe place to stay for the night.
But there were much bigger jails known for housing rougher criminals, and the tiny jail hasnt held an inmate for an estimated 40 or 50 years. After a brief tour Braddock and her friends noted the roof was leaking, the walls were covered in moss and ferns were growing everywhere. They saw potential in the tiny brick building, however, and decided it would be the perfect place to host an arts and crafts consignment shop.
After raising $8,000, numerous volunteers set to work on restoring the 100-year-old building.
We had people donate time to put the new roof on, power washed the walls. The cells were removed and sand blasted and painted and put back in. There was a mason designer and a volunteer that did the interior design, Braddock said.
The result would be Simply Hand Made, a nonprofit gift shop that would display the work of local artisans and craftsmen. The store opened on Sept. 6, and if all goes as Braddock anticipates, it will remain open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Braddock said the concept behind it is the three Ps: Promote, Preserve and Provide. Promote the artists that are making things, preserve the jail and provide for the library.
The crafts of 15 local artists are currently held in the gift shop. Shoppers can find pottery, handmade journals and sketchbooks, wooden bowls, quilted wall hangings, jewelry, and embroidered towels, Braddock said.
The Cats Meow, located in Wooster, provided a jail replica for sale as well. Eighty percent of the proceeds are returned to the artist. The remaining proceeds cover the business expenses, and whatever is left will support the library, Braddock said.
On Saturdays customers also can get their hands on baked goods, she said.
Braddock shared the story of the jails transformation with a small group gathered at the Fredericksburg Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall on Sept. 7. Many of the individuals were those who helped in its restoration.
Among the attendees was Beth Miller, the gift shops store manager. Miller moved to Fredericksburg several years ago with her husband. The couple later moved to Colorado for a time before returning to the area last November.
Ive always loved the little jail building, she said. I always thought it was the neatest building. I used to walk to work every day and pass it on my way. I love seeing it put to good use.
While Millers professional background was in banking, she is an artist at heart. She used to paint elaborate scenes on windows for the library and other businesses before she moved away. She said she was excited when Braddock contacted her about a new opportunity to work on the store while having plenty of time for her six-month-old daughter and working on her art.
She is one of the artists who has her work displayed at the shop, under her maiden name Elizabeth Montoney. Her specialty is elaborate journals and books.
I always wanted to get my books into an actual store presence, she said. For me its a nice stepping stone, a good way for me to sell my work.
It can be a stepping stone for others as well, she said. Artists who are interested in selling their work can meet with Miller at the jail or Braddock at the library. Because there is little room, acceptance does depend upon a three-person committee to decide whether it would be a good fit.
Volunteers also are needed, Braddock said. Volunteers are needed to work half days at the gift shop.
Anyone interested in volunteering or submitting artwork can either go to the gift shop, located at 208 N. Mill St., P.O. Box 43, Fredericksburg, or contact Miller via Facebook at Simply Hand Made.
While the shop has just opened, both ladies believe the venture will prove to be successful, especially because it will promote artists, preserve the jail and provide for the library.
Miller said, Things are best when theyre for the good of the entire community.
