Night of the Mask

Last year at Berdyne's Store, I bought a couple of masks thinking that I might use them in programming. I have not used them yet, but when the grandkids found them, well, let's just say the masks have been well used.

Kate was first. I was surprised at how realistic these masks are, particularly around the eyes. Kate aged about 15 years in front of my eyes, becoming a gypsy woman with a flirty smile.

Clayton liked the gendarme hat (I suppose that's what it is--can anyone tell me what it really is?). Poor guy, it aged him too but not in a good way!

Kate lived up to her role though, and so did Clayton.

Grace decided she liked my fan from the Glenville folk festival as a mask...

but Kate helped her into the gypsy mask, and...

voila! A sassy-faced gypsy emerged.

I thought about buying more masks when we were at Berdyne's the other day. I think I need to go back and see what else is there. The kids convinced me; next summer's programs will have to have a few stories with masks. It's just too much fun to see how the masks change both their faces and their personalities.

Berdine's Store

Where did we find this treasure trove of toys and folk art? In a place that is sure to delight any storyteller, child or young-at-heart adult: Berdine's Store in Harrisville, Ritchie County, West Virginia.

The store is celebrating its 101st birthday this year, and if you visit you will immediately understand its longevity.


Where else will you find men's underwear hanging right beside a rubber chicken, and above delicate china figurines? (Maybe in the house of the lady who was our next door neighbor when I was growing up, come to think of it.) Or parts for kerosene lamps, old-remedy salves like Porter's Liniment, light-up, noisemaking bouncy balls, bulk candy in an original-to-the-store case, and a nose flute? The biggest mall in America could not offer up that variety, I would bet.

Larry wandered--and wondered--like a kid in a candy shop (that's more truth than cliche'), looking at toys, tools and just plain amazing stuff.
Need a cookie cutter? Rolling pin? egg beater? pencil eraser? handcrafted pen or glass vase? marbles? kaleidoscope? wind-up somersaulting gorilla? You can find them all at Berdines, along with quality candy and old-time treats like Necco wafers (even the chocolate ones!) and wax Nip bottles filled with sweet syrup.

Karen Harper, who runs the store, is a great saleslady. She never pushes or urges you to buy, she just shows you neat stuff like how the nose flute works, complete with a rendition of Yankee Doodle. Her own delight in her wares makes shopping a pleasure. We lost ourselves in Berdine's for well over an hour, and left a good bit lighter in the pocketbook and in spirit.

If you happen to be traveling US Route 50 between Clarksburg and Parkersburg, West Virginia, be sure to allow enough time for a little side trip to Berdine's. The store is worth a special trip in itself, and you can pretend that you're just shopping for the kids or the grandkids. Odds are you will find something that you really need for yourself! I mean, who would not want to be the proud owner of the amazing disappearing frog. It's still on my want list, but the pirate puppet came home with me.

Berdine's is currently collecting stories and memories about the store on its website. Go to www.berdinesdime store.com to participate, and check out the photos and store history. Better yet, make plans for a visit. It's not too early to do a little holiday shopping.