Posted: 11/13/07
The Back Porch will open
Friday, Nov. 16 in Spring Grove
By Daniel McGonigle
Argus Managing Editor
Tammy Stadtler is one of those people who likes to spend hours of her time at flea markets or off the beaten path searching for that one of a kind, hard to find item. After doing so year after year, and obtaining quite a collection of stuff, Stadtler decided to put her passion to good use and extend it to the people of Spring Grove and the surrounding communities.
Stadtler and her husband will open a store called "The Back Porch" in the old S&N Dairy building in Spring Grove, across from Spring Grove Soda Pop. The store will feature many of the treasures the Stadtlers find, as well as things theyíve made. As the inventory will never be the same twice, people are encouraged to stop in often and see what there is to offer.
"I like to shop," said Stadtler. "There were a lot of specific items I was looking for and was having to travel to purchase so I thought this just made sense."
The store will open Friday, November 16 and regular hours will be Wednesday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Tammyís husband owns Stadtler Masonry and when the building came open which could house both businesses, the couple jumped at the chance.
"He has his Masonry business in the back of the building and the retail store is up front," said Stadtler. "The building works out perfect for both."
So they had the inventory, they now had the building, they just needed a sign.
"We put it up the other day," she said of the recent addition to the site. "My husband hung it in the dark. The next day we had a few people stop by curious about what things looked like and what we had to sell."
This took place just a few days before the official opening, and as the family (the coupleís college age daughters also contribute their time and talents to the cause) were putting the finishing touches on The Back Porch, the visits are a sign of eager shoppers who also were looking for that hard to find item.
"A blend of old and new home dÈcor and gifts," is how Stadtler describes her inventory.
She is also open to suggestions from customers on ideas of things theyíd like to see her carry.
"Sure weíll take suggestions," she said proudly. "If we canít find it we might be able to make it."
Many friends and the extended family have also donated much of their time and talents to helping get The Back Porch up off the ground.
Right now the couple makes benches and shelves out of old salvaged materials from old houses and barns. Doors and window panes are particularly popular items that the couple crafts the material from.
So when the store opens later this week, eager shoppers are encouraged to stop in and stop often as again, the inventory will be changing often.
"Thatís part of the fun," said Stadtler. "You never know what youíll find. The inventory is always changing so people should stop in often."
Stadtler also works part-time for the Caledonia School District as a special ed. assistant.
Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475
E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com