HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Times Advocate, 2005-08-24, Page 11Wednesday,August 24, 2005
Exeter Times–Advocate
11
Wraith closing shop after 45 years
Harry and Barb Wraith stand in front of their
Hardware store recently.The business has been
around for over 45 years, even enduring a fire that
caused about $130,000 in damage.
By Nina Van Lieshout
TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF
LUCAN — After over 45
years of service the
Wraith Hardware Store in
Lucan is coming to a
close.
"I just feel it's time to
retire, I'd like to take it
easy, doing some garden-
ing and being outside,"
says owner Harry Wraith.
This historic journey
will come to an end
around the middle of
September, but Barbara
Wraith, Harry's wife says
"although there were
many highs, there were
also a few lows."
The business was
bought in 1960 with Steve
Storey, a friend Harry
grew up with in Stratford.
Storey later left in '72,
deciding to repair televi-
sions from his home.
The building at the time
included a restaurant,
bowling alley and apart-
ments. Just two months
after purchasing the store
on Main Street, it caught
fire. The estimated dam-
age of the March 1 blaze
was $130,000. A part
from basically destorying
Lucan's oldest building,
the fire also claimed the
Harry and Barb Wraith look
closing the Lucan business in
life of an 83 -year-old
woman living in an apart-
ment ontop of the bowling
alley.
For about four years
after that, the business
was run from the back of
the store, until a new
addition was added.
Although the fire claimed
much of the building, the
Wraiths have kept the
original sign from 1859.
Some of the black burn
marks from the fire
Ringette registration Sept. 11
EXETER — The Exeter and District
Ringette Association will be holding a
registration and Promo skate Sept. 11
from 1 p.m. to 2 at the Stephen Arena.
The association has been in Exeter
for 25 years under the umbrella of
Ringette Ontario and is run by a volun-
teer board of directors.
Emphasis is on play making and
skating skills
Three players from each team, plus
the defending goalie are allowed in
the end zone at the same time to keep
the play open.
The objective is to control the ring
which must be passed over each blue -
line, although players may precede the
ring into each zone.
The ringette season runs from
September until March with approxi-
mately 20 games plus practices.
There is usually one weeknight prac-
tice and one weekend game.
The Bunny program is targeted at
first time five year old players.
The primary focus is on skating with
integration of ringette skills as they
progress through the program.
League play for ringette teams occur
within the surrounding communities
and practices are usually held at the
I-Iensall arena.
For information on ringette or the
registration, contact Michael Reid at
235-0953 or Kim Chandler at 235-
0417.
Receive a FREE HEmi®
stainless steel travel mug*
with package purchase.
*while quantities last.
ii.
through over 45 years of hardware store memories in their scrapbook.They are
the middle of September to relax and take it easy. (photos/Nina Van Lieshout)
remain on a few of the
beams in the store as
well.
The Wraith family, con-
sisting of Harry, his wife
Barb, and two sons Mike
and Martin lived in St.
Mary's in the begin-
ning."Harry would hitch-
hike quite a bit to work,"
says Barb.
After a year came and
went Harry moved his
family to Elizabeth Street
in Lucan. They then had
Vehicle
stolen from
Exeter car
dealership
EXETER — On Aug. 18 a
sales representative from
BDM Motors on Thames
Rd. in Exeter reported a
theft of a vehicle. The
vehicle was unplated but
left unlocked. Someone
through the night entered
onto the garage lot and
stole a black 2001 Chev
KTA SUV. If you can help
solve this crime call the
local OPP office in Exeter
two more children, Paul
and Marnie.
Over the years, Harry
has accomplished much
in the Lucan area. "I was
on Lucan council for
about 30 years, I also
instigated the Lucan
Flying Club." Barb and
the children kept busy
too, volunteering for
many organizations and
services.
Their son Martin, who
had shown interest in
hardware since he was
four years old, got into
the business after high
school. There was some
talk about buying the
building from his parents
but after a six month trial
run, they decided it was-
n't working out and now
he works in Stratford
repairing appliances.
It is unknown what the
new owner, Freidholm
Hoffman from Lucan will
do with the building.
"All we know is that it
won't be a hardware
store any longer," says
Harry.
When asked what his
favorite part of this jour-
ney has been, he smiles,
looking at his wife
"although I cherish many
of the friendships I've
made, I would still have
to say working with my
wife has been the best."
ARE YOU READY FOR
THE EXETER FALL FAIR?
It is not too late to work on your
special craft or take a photo or show off
your woodworking project and Tots more.
PRIZE BOOKS CAN STILL BE PICKED UP
AT THE EXETER T -A, STEDMANS
OR THE SOUTH HURON REC CENTRE
FAIR DATES ARE
SEPT. 23, 24 AND 25
See You At The Fair!
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