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Village Squire, 1978-02, Page 7Linda Cranston shows one of Hope Haines' hand -coloured prints. fun, a kind of hobby. If it ever got past being fun and a hobby, he'd get out, he says. Cy Cline is a devout St. Marys booster. His decision to open an antique shop downtown is regarded by many as one of the triggers for a move in the last two years which has seen a whole new atmosphere in the downtown area of St. Marys. The opening of Stonetown antiques and about the same time of Patchworks, across the street, seemed to sew the seeds for many who wanted' to open small shops in the town. Today it has one of the most interesting shopping areas around. The look of the town and the sense of the town has changed in recent years, Mr. Cline says. The changes seem to have generated an interest in the past in the town. There's a good feeling for the town by the people who come to visit he says. He's had people from all over the continent tell him it's one of the nicest towns anywhere. The recent growth of small shops seem likely to continue. There's a lot of interest, he says, in people coming to town to set up small shops. He's concerned that it be the right people. He'd like to weed out the fly by night operators who could damage the reputation of the town as an interesting shopping place. He points to Elora as an example of what he doesn't want to see happen in St. Marys, he says. Elora had a marvellous chance, he says, but they lost it. He used to really enjoy going there but they let the situation get out of hand. He says a group of "hangers on" got involved in the town and detracted from the original beauty of the place. St. Marys, he says, has a lot to offer. It's only an hour from the cities yet has an attractive slower pace. The beautiful old stone buildings, the walkways along the river, the landscape, all add to the beauty of the place. Today, he says, there seems to be a great deal of interest by citizens to maintain this beauty. 0 Gerrard's SHOPPING CENTRES: QUAL Goderich, Clinton, Mitchell WINTER SALE CONTINUES Lots of winter left, stock up on our Clear -Out Values during our store -wide sale. YOUR IN -TOWN SHOPPING --CENTRE:i LADIES' & GIRLS' • Coats •Car Coats • Dresses • Sweaters • Slims etc. 20-50Z off MEN'S & BOYS' • Coats • Suits • Pants • Sweaters • Shirts etc. VILLAGE SQUIRE/FEBRUARY 1978, 5.