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The 1980's

There were many changes as this decade began...both to the make-up of the Board of Trustees and to the physical face of the Shop.

Major changes were needed in the Shop after almost 30 years on Park Avenue. The front porch was rebuilt, new roofing was added, windows were glazed and siding was installed; inside there was fresh paint and new wallpaper!

In 1980, Ruthie Drury assumed Chairmanship after Jane Huffman, moving from Dayton, resigned. Velma Huston succeeded Jenny Frazier as head of The Nearly New Shop which posted increased profits yearly. Under the creative guidance of Molly Cammerer, the Christmas Open House was developed. The event was enormously successful with gross sales at the first one in 1982 of $3000.00! In 1982, $20,000.00 was donated to Children's Medical Center, with contributions totaling $356,436.50, to date. In 1984, funds for three neo-natal units were donated to CMC. And in 1986, a 4-year, $150,000.00 pledge was made toward a Neurological Center.

A commitment was made to further communicate out mission to our customers and to continue to educate them as to the purpose of the Shop. A lovely tea honoring all our volunteers was hosted at the home of Mrs. Richard H. Grant III (Mimi).

In the same year, the Board made some important changes in order to fuel and manage growth. Mrs. Richard C. Cammerer (Molly) and Mrs. John R. Folkerth (Carolyn) were made Co-Chairmen of the Board. A Rotating Board was adopted with a three-year term and the option to continue for an additional three years. The Board of trustees assumed the responsibility of staffing the Shop on Saturdays. The advertising budget was increased, an Executive Committee was formed and Mrs. Virginia Frazier (Jenny) became the new Chairman of The Nearly New Shop.

New patterns of china were carried as "open stock", small pieces of furniture were added to the inventory and monogramming was again being featured; a new guide list for brides was created; and in 1988 Winnie Lysell celebrated her 25th year as the Manager of The Little Exchange. An era ended in 1988 with the death of Mrs. Walter S. Carr, the last of our original trustees, everyone's "Aunt Dotty", who was devoted to The Little Exchange and dearly loved by all. The decade ended with 34 brides registered over a 5-month period, sales were up $45,000.00 over the previous year and New York was added as a market for buying trips. On the housekeeping side there were several improvements. A new light post and sign were added to the front of the Shop; siding and a new light fixture were added in the back of the building, the powder room was carpeted, painted and papered...and unfortunately a new roof was required!

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