Ancestors Plus Moves To New Location In Garland District
Ann Hemmert looks around her new shop and smiles.
“This is it. this is the store I’ve always wanted,” she says.
Ancestors Plus seems right at home in its new Garland District location, filling the spot at 825 W. Garland that was left vacant when the Novelty Nook closed.
Ancestors Plus was at the Shadle Center for three years before moving last month.
The shop is heaven to genealogists, whether they’re experts or just learning how to trace their own family roots.
Ancestors Plus, one of the most complete family history resources in the Northwest, stocks everything from how-to manuals to acid-free scrapbooks for preserving important documents and pictures.
Hemmert has been digging into her own family history for 30 years and shows with pride the thick albums she has assembled, jammed with family pictures, letters, certificates, pressed leaves, and even a treasured ice cream recipe.
“I’m so interested in genealogy,” she says, “I’m glad to try to help anyone who wants to trace their family history.”
She can direct them to magazines, research books for particular countries, census guides, forms and family-tree charts.
The “Plus” part of Ancestors Plus refers to the array of gifts and keepsakes for almost any occasion. The emphasis is on family and family events like anniversaries, birthdays, and births.
Glass shelves are filled with statues, figurines, commemorative plates and knickknacks.
“Grandpa, Tell Me Your Story” is one of several diary-like books available to help older family members record milestones and memories for future generations.
Many gifts can be personalized by Namemakers, one of her suppliers.
Already Hemmert feels right at home in the new location.
“Everyone in the Garland district has come in. They are all so warm and friendly,” she says. “I love the foot traffic here.”
An army of friends helped Ann and Lew Hemmert move to the new store. She says she couldn’t have done it without them.
“We are fortunate to have so many friends who helped us. We appreciate it,” she says.
Already the new shop feels like home.
“Something about this location just feels right,” she says.
The store is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Hemmert will also be teaching beginning genealogy classes at Spokane Community College and the Corbin Senior Center this fall.
Corky’s is back
Corky’s Drive-In is open again, across the street from the Garland Theater. Mark Ross is manning the grill.
Ross says he wants to recreate a 1960s atmosphere at the restaurant.
Something new is the “build your own burger” bar.
Ross says his specialty is the double-or triple-cheeseburger.
“You put whatever you want on it,” said Ross. “We’re not going to tell you how to make your hamburger - it’s your hamburger. You know what you want on it.”
Corky’s also serves homemade french fries, salads, and milkshakes.
There is also a video game room.
“It’s a have-fun, enjoy-yourself kind of place,” said Ross. “I’ve had people come in every day and say ‘I’m so glad you reopened.’ We’re having fun, too,” he said.
Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Photo