A Community Project – Refinishing the Yoho General Store’s Tabletops

The idea to refinish the store’s tabletops first surfaced in August 2016, but it took some time to get it off the ground like many ideas. In late 2017, the idea re-emerged as a proposal for a community project. After devising a plan for the project, in April of 2018, the Yoho General Store presented the unique project to the Solsberry community and the Yoho General Store’s followers on social media.

In April of 2019, the store reached out again to heighten the excitement and participation of the community project. Near the end of 2019, two tables were built to accommodate larger groups. Both tables are 6 ft x 3 ft and sit up to 6 people. With the new inspiration on the floor, the store finally collected enough photographs for the first tabletop design.

By December 2019, the first tabletop design was unveiled. Larry Shute, the town’s historian from the mid-1960s up until he passed away in March of 2021, was a primary contributor. Larry spent a lifetime building a collection of photos that portrayed life in Solsberry. During the first tabletop unveiling, Larry reminisced about some of the photos on display.

Many community members, including visitors, have greatly enjoyed viewing the images during their visit to the store. Jim Murphy, President of CFC Properties, said from the beginning of the community project, that “the photos are a great conversation starter and a walk down memory lane.”

Megan Hood, former Yoho Store Manager, shared, “I think it’s pretty neat seeing people’s faces light up when they see the first refinished tabletop! They comment on how nice it looks and how visiting the store, of course, brings them back in time. It helps them tell stories to their families about things and events they remember by looking at the tables! It may not even pertain to the table, but it sparks a memory! It’s a nice history lesson for kids and adults!”

After the unveiling of the first tabletop, more people were excited to share photos and stories. Because of their willingness to share, the store was proud to unveil the second tabletop design on August 11, 2020. The second design was installed on the remaining large table. 

Many community members, including Lavon Yoho, donated many images to help make the second tabletop design possible.

On October 26, 2021, the third tabletop design unveiled a theme of classic vehicles. It is the first of ten small tabletops to be completed.

The fourth tabletop theme is comprised of Yoho ice cream photos – supporting the store’s most treasured tradition! This special tabletop design became viewable on the floor in early July 2022, just in time for National Ice Cream Month.

The fifth community tabletop design showcases “High School and High School Sports.” A majority of the photos are from the first school in Solsberry and from Eastern Greene High School. Try scanning the photos to see if you know anyone.

The sixth tabletop design highlights the store’s amazing “Renovation.” This tabletop design was released in time to honor the store’s official 10-year renovation milestone. The store’s renovation anniversary date is December 1, 2012. Interested in learning more about the store up to its renovation, check out the article “Nearly 100 Years in the Making – a Tale of the Yoho General Store.”