Even husbands couldn't complain when their wives asked to go to ReCreations Consignments last Saturday. After all, it would be the last time that they would have the chance to shop and visit with owner, Peggy Severson. The indomitable madam of consignments continued her wit and charm to the bitter end, although there were a few tears shed during the day as favorite customers and old friends came by to say goodbye.
After 1,358 days, Severson closed the door on ReCreations Consignments. Customers will now have to travel a little further now to find the bargains and eclectic mix of merchandise that Severson offered while she was in Mount Vernon. As of next month, she will be relocating to Norwell, Mass., to purchase Beach Plum Consignments. As hard as it is for her to leave the area, this is an opportunity that was too good for her to pass up. She had promised the owner many years ago that she would buy the store when the owner retired. Severson's plan was to continue operating the store in Mount Vernon as well, but the woman made the decision to sell much earlier than anticipated and Severson wasn't able to achieve that plan.
Severson played up her New Englandbound theme with a sign that was posted in her store window that read, "Pahk the Cah in Hahvid Yahd."
Throughout the day, people stopped by the store to browse, pick up consignments, and most of all, say goodbye to their favorite entrepreneur. Joy Newland, one of the many people who Severson credits her success to, was there. As head of United Community Ministries' (UCM) micro-enterprise program, Newland helped Severson get started in her business.
"They gave me back a life," Severson said. "They showed you your strengths and built you up. They put me back on my feet."
Newland credits Severson's success to "her sparkling personality and persistence."
"This is the largest retail venture that we've supported," she said.
DURING THE SEVEN YEARS that Newland directed the program, she helped set up more than a hundred businesses. Several of them, including massage therapists Roger Gossement and Linda Steele, are doing well; many businesses, however, have not made it.
"The biggest problem [with other businesses] is that they don't follow through," Newland said.
Newland said that the two things she did to help business owners was to talk about the philosophical aspect of business.
"I always told them inspirational stories, like from 'Chicken Soup for the Soul.' I also had been in business for so long so I knew what worked and what didn't," Newland said.
Unfortunately, business owners will no longer have the opportunity to take advantage of Newland's expertise; funding for that program has been cut. Newland is teaching the last class this summer.
Severson shed a few tears when Newland was there. Another emotional visitor was Marilyn Wellington, the director of the Alexandria Chapter of The National League of Junior Cotillions. Severson had spent many years teaching seventh and eighth-graders how to waltz for Wellington's program. One of her former students, who is now a dance assistant for the Cotillion program, also came by. Blake Bredehoft had promised Severson a "last waltz." And waltz they did, in the parking lot of Pear Tree Village; they were surrounded by plenty of teary onlookers.
"It's been nothing but a pleasure to work with you and see you blossom into the man you've become," Severson said to Bredehoft as he departed.
"It's been wonderful and terrific," Severson said as she turned out the lights at 8804 Pear Tree Village Court.