Shepherdstown

Yard Sale and O'Hurleys

Last Friday, we traveled to Shepherdstown to visit our eastern panhandle family. On Saturday Judy and I were on an errand when we saw a yard sale by the Family Dollar store. Judy had to stop! My good lady purchased for John and Rachael the two wing back chairs shown above. The kitchen table and chairs to the right of the chairs were also bought.

Let's see, in addition to the kitchen table and chairs and the wing back chairs, the good wife left with an assortment of video tapes, framed pictures, a 1920's Franklin sewing machine, a 4 foot balerina doll, and a "partridge in a pear tree". Rachael had to drive over to see these treasures for herself and also help in transporting the loot!



A favorite place to shop in Shepherdstown is O'Hurley's General Store. Their motto is "We probably have it - if we can find it!"



O'Hurley's is operated by Jay O'Hurley who was born over the store. His Dad operated the store before Jay became proprietor. The store is located directly beside the railroad tracks. One of the many favorite stories told by Jay is that his Mom noticed the decrease in passenger travel on the steam locomotives that were stopping in Shepherdstown. She wanted her son to be able to experience the thrill of a train ride.


She purchased two tickets from Shepherdstown to Sharpsburg, which is a distance of a few miles. They boarded the train, rode to Sharpsburg, and then walked home!

Judy discovered the store mascot. Milo is a stray cat that has taked up permanent residence in the store.

O'Hurley's is a treat for the eyes. Metal toys, hats, teas and coffees, puppets are only a few of the thousands of items.

The store is heated by the pot bellied stove as was found in all general stores of the past.

As you wander through the rooms of the store, you will end up in Jay O'Hurley's Great Room.

This is an area is for the gathering of musicians. There has been a jam session every Thursday night for the past 30 some years.

The sounds of harps, dulcimers, fiddles, banjos, guitars, and many other instruments fill this room with wonderful tunes. It is an great experience to listen to all the musicians. Next time you are in Shepherdstown, do not miss O'Hurley's General Store!