Pelham’s independent news source from the Heart of Niagara
The
NiagaraRealtySource.com Welland Realty Ltd. Brokerage
905-732-4426
Independently Owned & Operated
Vol.15 No.29
VOICE
Big bike draw winner! Page 6
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Celebrating 100 years! Page 9
Cadets closer to Vimy Ridge. Page 7
Long-time local business owner looks forward to retirement after 30 busy years BY WAYNE CREIGHTON Special to the Voice With the construction business waning, Harry Schonewille created a job for himself. Even if that wasn’t his original intent. In 1983, Schonewille and his wife Lois purchased a 1,600 square foot building on Highway 20 and the idea was to do some renovations and then resell the property. “The plan was to fix it up and then sell it,” said Schonewille. “In 1983, I had my own construction company and construction sucked. So, basically I created a job for myself even if that wasn’t my intent.” The property Schonewille purchased nearly 30 years ago is today one of Pelham’s best known attractions featuring the Lazy Loon restaurant, Log Cabin, an art gallery and quilting bee and has expanded to more than 14,000 square feet. It began as the Log Cabin Trading Post and showcased Canadian made products with everything from moccasins and maple syrup to jewellery and native folk art. The first winter, the store was even heated by a wood burning stove. “That’s what we were
Nearly 30 years after founding the original Log Cabin, Harry Schonewille is retiring. Wayne Creighton/Voice Photo
“The Niagara region has been very supportive and we’ve had a lot of people coming in and telling us how sorry they are to see us go.” “But you have to move on,” he added. “I’m 68 and I have been in the
TAI CHI / CHI KUNG
J
workforce for 54 years and I’ve earned my keep.” Schonewille says he plans to dust off his golf clubs upon retirement, but is really looking forward to doing some travelling with Lois.
Fournier oe ’
Beginner Classes Starting September ��th & ��st Tuesdays: ����am Wednesdays: �:����:�� pm
Ma
rt i al Art
s
Among their first stops will be visiting children and grandchildren in the United States with Belgium and France as well his native Holland among their other destinations. While October 1st will
Now forming
s
NEW
known for, carrying only Canadian made products and the business quickly became recognized as one of Ontario’s most unique gift shops,” said Schonewille. “It was especially popular at Christmas time with European visitors.” In 1998, Schonewille leased out part of the property for the creation of the Lazy Loon restaurant and noted that much of the remaining space has been leased over the years to local artisans with as many as 14 at one time displaying their work. In 2001, the art gallery opened and in 2008 Schonewille sold the property but continued to run the art gallery. However, come October 1 he will call it quits once and for all with the Quilting Bee taking over the space now occupied by the art gallery. “No regrets,” says Schonewille. “There have been some struggles of course, but we’ve had a lot of good times during the 28 years we have been here. “My wife and I have put in a lot of time and hard work. I couldn’t have done it without her. And a couple of my kids have put in a lot of time and hard work as well. It’s really been a family business.”
since 1986
be his last day on the job, Schonewille said the property he began renovating some 28 years ago, will remain a busy place. “Nothing is closing,” he said. “I just won’t be around anymore.”
KARATE CLASSES for Everyone
Call for details: 905-892-0572 www�fournierdojo�com sensei@fournierdojo�com 2275 Hwy 20, Fonthill
BEGIN
NER