THE HISTORY OF THE MUSEUM SHOP

BY GRETA FISHER

It all started in the late 1970's with the Country Store, a multi-day event held once a year at the home of Mary Alice Ughetta and once at Dykman Hall. The fun times at the Ughettas' were enhanced by a "pot luck" supper brought in by many of the Society's members. I remember one year, asking a gentleman if he could help carve a turkey; little did I know he was a well-known surgeon. He did a great job.

There was always the thought to open a museum shop in the Cudner-Hyatt house, which was to be opened to the public in September 1987. The Metropolitan Museum of Art offered a week-long course for museum shop managers. The attendees included 200 people from all over the country, including two volunteers, one other woman and me.

Mary Alice and I agreed to the be co-managers and we opened the first Museum Shop bank account with loans from the two of us, purchasing inventory for the shop's grand opening.

Realizing that funding the store through personal loans, including those from Eda Newhouse, was probably not the most professional thing to do, we held a benefit lunch at the Larchmont Yacht Club the following October and the rest, as they say, is history.

When Mary Alice became too ill to work, Betty Greenebaum became co-manager. Over the years, so many people have contributed their time and energy at the shop. At Open House, held each fall, Etta Parker was always there with her "touch" in design and we always looked forward to the homemade soups provided by Betty and Heidi Sander that were truly yummy. The chief Treasurers during these times were Mary Bell, Emily Scinto, Mickie Tostanoski, Gerry King, Mary Dixon, and Mary Lind. The long list of salespeople included Nancy Tramontine, Alice Jetter, Christa Schutz, Georgia Donati, Noreen Fisher, Corky Thompson, Judy Bicknell, Rose Caras and so many others.

Volunteers would join the managers on frequent shopping excursions to gift marts and shows. With Betty's passing, Etta Parker became co-manager.

We try hard not to compete with any of the merchants in the Village. With books on local history for all ages, the shop is filled with wonderful gifts for all. Some of Mary Alice's fantastic collectable dolls are still available.

Our mission continues to be to help support the Education and Exhibits departments. The shop is open during Museum hours and by appointment.