Date: Fri 27-Jun-1997

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDREA

Quick Words:

Crossroads-Store-closes

Full Text:

Crossroads Store Closes After 48 Years

(with cut)

Forty-eight years ago when the Andrejczyk brothers bought a little store at

the corner of Botsford and Newtown Turnpike, it offered convenient shopping

for many townspeople in that part of town. On Monday, June 30, The Crossroads

Store will close after years of struggling to compete with the nearby Super

Stop & Shop supermarket.

"The customers who have been in, have touched me - some have cried," said Chet

Andrejczyk, one of the original owners. Throughout the years, each of his 13

children had worked at the store. The store, he said, provided for his family,

allowing him to raise his children and send some to school. "We have 50

percent on all groceries, and one customer refused to take the 50 percent

off."

"It's the ending of an era - it's been part of the landscape. When I first got

married, I used to do all my shopping here," said Evelyn Watts, who has

remained a patron for more than 35 years. "He had the best meat in Newtown."

A senior citizen who lives in the nearby trailer park is distressed that the

market is closing. She used to walk to the store twice a week until she was

weakened by pneumonia; since that time, one of the Andrejczyks has delivered

her food.

"I'm going to be lost without the little Crossroads Store," she said. "My

father used to buy his groceries there and I've been shopping there for 40

years."

The owner said he remembers older patrons who have died, many of whom had

become friends. "I appreciate the customers that have been faithful. They

formed a part of my life," he said.

Mr Andrejczyk, who is deeply religious, said it was a good time for all

trespasses to be forgiven. "I might have deceived some customers or cheated

them and I ask their forgiveness. And I forgive people who might have

shoplifted or not paid their bills."

Mr Andrejczyk plans on either leasing or selling the property, which includes

the store and an apartment.