Things are a-changin’ at 6 E. Church St.
After 14 years of ownership, The Parsonage’s Shirley Wilson has announced her retirement. And after six years of ownership, The Country Woodshed’s Dianne Bildstein is closing up shop.
“The Parsonage will go on as always with new ideas, new products and new designs,” Wilson assured, who plans to retire August 18, 2004, her 60th birthday.
“The business has been part of my life and I want to make sure it continues to thrive after my term in charge,” Wilson said. “There are so many customers and friends who have cheered me on through all my years of business. Their continued support means so much more than I can possibly say.”
But a new reign will begin, Wilson said. “There will be fresh new faces and youthful enthusiasm. I will continue to consult for as long as my services are needed. But I’m cutting my hours from six days a week to only three. Gar, my husband, and I have great plans for our retirement!”
The Parsonage has called the heart of Clarkston home for 14 years. As the community has grown, so has Wilson’s business. An increase in walk-in traffic led Wilson to vacate her previous locations, saying good-bye to a store on Washington and then on Main Street.
She moved to the current location six years ago, and at that time, Bildstein opened The Country Woodshed within the same building.
But Bildstein will close The Country Woodshed this summer. “She’s been blessed with another new grandson and has decided to become a full time grandma,” Wilson said, who added readers should watch for final sales.
As always, The Parsonage and The Country Woodshed, which call home in a converted 1880s residence, is a “good place to come and waste an afternoon,” according to Wilson and Bildstein.
A floral and design shop, The Parsonage, and The Country Woodshed, specializing in furniture and gift lines, both offer accessories to enhance any home.
A variety of styles are featured including anything from casual to country, French to English, shabby to chic and more.
Latest updates to The Parsonage include a new discount section on the lower level with items priced 50 to 75 percent off.
“There’s no sense in storing stuff away,” Wilson said. “We like to keep our closets clean.”
Also, the former “plant room” has been redesigned into a wedding room for private bridal consultations.
A full-service florist, The Parsonage offers “attractive floral arrangements for every occasion,” and delivery is available. Also find custom silks and plants, a growing selection of antiques and an in-home interior design service.
The Country Woodshed currently features a line of upholstered furniture, gift lines as well as lamps, garden accessories, quilts, rugs, baby accessories and candles.
These classy stores, which offer “a nice atmosphere for shopping,” won’t hurt your pocketbook, either. Wilson said, “our prices are competitive with larger retailers.”
The Parsonage and The Country Woodshed are located at 6 E. Church. Business hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Call The Parsonage at (248) 625-4340 and The Country Woodshed at (248) 625-7010.