Once the hub of the community for groceries, hot coffee, conversation and camaraderie, the Chesterfield General Store went out of business five years ago and has sat vacant ever since. Now, owner Greg Monette of West Chesterfield says he hopes to reopen a new and improved version of the store just before the holidays.
“We are bringing back the general store and adding a café space and expanding the kitchen and prep area to accommodate catering. Right now I am building a brick oven for breads and pizza,” Monette said while holding a trowel in his hand.
In the back of the building he is building an event space for small functions and gatherings and he also plans to have outdoor seating.
Monette said that he purchased the building two years ago and has now gutted the whole thing.
“It really is a complete renovation,” he said.
As well as providing the basic kitchen and pantry staples, beer and beverages, Monette says that he will be producing and selling home made preserves, soups, salads, sandwiches, pizza and specialty items.
“It will be traditional home cooking and regional fare,” he said.
He also says he wants to uphold other traditions that were once part of the store.
The original 24-foot-long Chesterfield General Store sign has been kept and refurbished, and he says it is important to him to carry on the tradition the store once had as a gathering spot, where people could share a beverage, a story or the news of the day.
“This has always been regarded as a sort of community center and I don’t want to change that,” he said. “We want to be a hub for the community as well as cyclists, runners, and kayakers, and others that visit the area.”
Monette has been a cook for 25 years, 14 of which were spent at Chandlers Restaurant in Deerfield before it closed. He has also worked at the Blue Heron in Sunderland and the Green Street Café, once located in Northampton.
“This is the dream of every chef,” he said. “This is also something that we believe our community really needs.”
The Goshen Free Public Library will host State Rep. Stephen Kulik, on Saturday, October 13, from 10:30 a.m. until noon in the Goshen Town Hall.
As Kulik is retiring after 13 terms as representative for 19 towns in the 1st Franklin district, this will be a last opportunity to meet with him, hear his review of legislative work over the past year and ask any questions you may have.
This is free and open to the public and anyone is welcome to attend.
The Williamsburg Rod and Gun Club is holding its annual Turkey Shoot every Sunday now through November 18.
Participants compete for large turkeys, roasts and hams as well as cash. Each shot is $2.50.
You do not have to own your own shotgun, as the club will have extra guns on hand.
The club grounds are located at off Petticoat Hill Road. Take Rte 9 to 143 and follow the signs.
Ideas for this column on life in the hilltowns can be sent to Fran Ryan at Fryan.gazette@gmail.com.