Troy's Community Newsletter

Aurora's Willow Creek

Convinced that "Troy is a good place for specialty shops", Carol Fitzpatrick decided to open Aurora's Willow Creek. Her unique shop has grown in size and popularity since it was opened last July -- and even seems to have attracted a resident ghost.

The shop is among a number of new business establishments along River Street. Located in the block between State and Congress Streets, it occupies about 1500 square feet of space in a building constructed in the early eighties. Shoppers strolling through its aisles find an array of antique and vintage jewelry, newer jewelry, antique furniture, Victorian-era pins, and various one-of-a-kind items.

Carol explains that the shop's unusual name came about when she was looking for a theme name for her Web Site marketing. She once lived in a house by a creek fronted with willows, named her line of antiques, Willow Creek Antiques, and likes the jewel known as "Aurora Borealis.

Carol, who used to be with the Browse Around store chose to stay in Troy when that store relocated to Cohoes. A member of the downtown merchants organization, she is a firm supporter of Troy's annual Victorian Stroll and credits that event with bringing customers to her store who have since helped by "word-of-mouth" advertising.

One unplanned feature of the store, Carol smilingly notes, is the Friendly Spirit, whose presence made itself known soon after the shop opened. Often, electric lights would flicker, a radio turned off at night would be on in the morning, and sometimes, she would see the moving shadow of a misty something. There also have been unexplained sounds heard by occupants of the building. Once, a group of self-declared witches who were visiting the shop calmly told Carol, You have a spirit here, don't you?

None of this is unsettling to the vivacious proprietor, but she would like to know more about the building's history. She has expanded the store by moving some walls and reports that since the expansion, the spirit's presense has been less felt.

Two part-time employees work with Carol under a barter system that permits them to market their merchandise in exchange for helping out in the shop. They are Barbara Brannigan, an antiques specialist, and Cecie Hegan, "artist-in-residence". Cecie's artistry can be seen in paintings on displays in the colorful painted walls, floral arrangements, and hat decorations.

Aurora's Willow Creek carries Fenton Glass items, made by the only glass company still manufacturing such merchandise. Carol recently added a new line of sterling silver and the products of Crab Tree and Evelyn. Her suppliers include antique furniture dealers and estate jewelry dealers throughout the northeast and a downstate maker of newer jewelry.

One eye-catching dislay is a Flapper Doll, a limited edition doll manufactured by Donna Rubert of Texas. Attired in a powder blue coat with fur collar and matching hat, the doll is accompanied by a little leashed dog supposedly dating to the Women's Suffragette movement. In his mouth, the dog carries a sign proclaiming VOTE.

In cooperation with Troy United Ink Corp., a not-for-profit corporation
Items published herein do not necessarily represent the opinions of Troy United Ink Corp., its officers or it's Board of Directors.

B a c k