photo by CAROL SHETLER/The Luminary On behalf of the East Lycoming Historical Society, President, Erma Bower (center) accepts a sign identifying the former Haag Variety Store. Donors Kyle Daugerty (left) and Ed Rogers, co-owners of Susquehanna Valley Sportswear, now occupy the site at North Main Street in Hughesville.

HUGHESVILLE – One of Main Street’s longtime signs, the one identifying Haag’s 5 – $1 Variety Store, has been removed from its original site at 33 N. Main Street. The building many identify as Hughesville’s “Five and Ten,” is being resided by Ed Rogers and Kyle Daugerty, co-owners of Susquehanna Valley Sportswear. On Sept. 22, the sign was donated to the East Lycoming Historical Society (ELHS).

“We wanted people to know we didn’t just throw the sign in a dumpster. Folks in and around Hughesville are protective of their past and we want them to know it’s being preserved. That led to our decision to place it in the hands of the local society,” Rogers said.

In response to the gift, Erma Bower, ELHS president said, “It’s good to see the building refurbished. We hope Susquehanna Valley Sportswear will be as prosperous and long lasting as the Haag business,” referring to the family store spanning three generations of ownership.

Thought to have been attached to the building since 1930 or 40, ‘Wilson Signs’ is the name of the ad company remaining readable on the wood surface.

As for Susquehanna Valley Sportswear, Daugerty recounted their founding and past locations. “Last April first, we marked ten years in Hughesville. We began in a small space on Race Street, moved to the former pharmacy purchased from the Montgomerys on North Main, to this site formerly owned by Jim Williams who operated it as a hardware store.”

The current advertising business occupies the southern portion of the building, while the opposite side is rented as an ice cream shoppe.

Rogers said that, “We’re probably the only business in the area who does silk screening and all work on site. We also offer laser engraving on trophies, business cards and pens with logos.”