West Bend, WI – From Friday, June 11 – Sunday, June 13 there will be a final sale at the Apple Barrel General Store, 229 S. Main Street, in West Bend.
The Apple Barrel General Store opened for business on October 4, 2003; I guess that means I was around 10 at the time. I remember seeing a photo of a ribbon cutting ceremony at some point, my mom holding a pair of oversized scissors flanked by smiling city officials and such. My parents purchased the building at 229 S. Main Street in 2002, however, my memories of the building when they first bought it—and all the work they put into it—are much more vivid.
Anyone who’s visited the Apple Barrel in the last 15+ years probably couldn’t picture anything other than the bright storefront that sits there now, sunlight coming in through the broad front panes and tall windows, the solid wood counter where the old-timey cash register sits, the tables, cabinets, and displays full to bursting with treasures of every sort.
This in contrast with the dreary brown walls, drop cloths, and steel shelving units that had cramped the space when my parents took over.
The sort of coarse brown carpet covering the front section of the floorplan my family replaced with the bright hardwood in there now—uncles and grandparents hauling lumber in through the front door, my brother and sister and I perhaps being sent downstairs for another box of screws but more often than not just keeping out of the way, busying ourselves with lunches and wood scraps and playing on the rocks where the parking lot behind the building meets the river.
I remember my dad’s enthusiasm at finding the perfect 1940s style light fixtures and seeing them illuminating the ‘40s green’-painted walls with white trim for the first time.
The full contents of the antique and collectibles store will be discounted and priced to move during a 3-day sale Friday, June 11 – Sunday, June 13 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sales will be made via cash or check only, no early viewing or sales, first come first serve. Street parking only, extra hands will be available to assist with carrying and loading.
We are grateful to the community for nearly two decades of business at the Apple Barrel and invite you to join us for its final weekend.
The Gundrum family
