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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! Give your vehicle a complete check-up from top to bottom with our Peace -of -Mind Service Package 42 -point Peace -of -Mind Inspection PLUS Tire Rotation PLUS Oil and Filter Change $45.95' ONLY AT YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD CHRYSLER, JEEP®, DODGE RETAILER Service, pricing and incentive offers applicable only at participating Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge Retailers. Peace -of -Mind Service Package includes up to 5 litres of 5-W30 Mopar Oil. Prices do not include taxes. 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