Nov 4, 2003 By Patty Shultz 2 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – A long-idled building along West Crawford Avenue is showing signs of new life. Although the brown paper still clings to the front windows of the former McCrory building, posters bearing advertisement of a weekly flea market is garnering interest, according to the new owners.

“We had 10 vendors this past Saturday and already 16 (vendors) have registered for this week,” said Debbie Shipley, building co-owner.

Shipley, along with other Connellsville residents Greg Vinoski, Amedio Gallo and Carol Stewart purchased the site last year in their first joint business venture.

Throughout the morning and afternoon hours on Saturday, Shipley said, nearly 250 people crossed through the doorway either seeking bargains or just to satisfy their curiosity as to what was sparking the activity inside the building.

“It seems someone’s junk is someone else’s treasure,” Shipley added.

The foursome purchased the property as an investment, but initially had no clear plan as how it would be utilized.

“We wanted to bring something to the downtown area,” said Shipley. “There’s nothing here.”

With the popularity of flea markets in other communities, Shipley said the co-owners believed a similar undertaking would be successful in Connellsville.

“If I had one person approach me about how happy they were with us being here, I had 50,” she said. “I’m not a flea market person, but there are a lot of people who like them.”

The McCrory store, one of the original five-and-dime businesses, shuttered its doors at the end of 2000 and re-opened briefly under one of its subsidiaries, Dollar Zone.

Councilwoman Chris Wagner said she is pleased that a business has filled one of the many empty buildings in the business district.

“I’m supportive of anything that will help us revitalize the downtown area,” said Wagner.

Shipley, meanwhile, said the owners plan to make improvements to the building and anticipate adding a kitchen to serve food during the flea market hours.

Additionally, the group could add another day to the schedule, if warranted.

Meanwhile, the flea market will be held on Saturdays.

For more information, contact Shipley at 724-626-0712.