photo by CAROL SHETLER/The Luminary Since opening its doors in 1973, countless individuals had dined and shopped at the Country Cupboard along Route 15 north of Lewisburg. The well-known haven of hospitality will close the end of February.

LEWISBURG – Many regret the news as to the closing of the Country Cupboard restaurant and shops at Lewisburg. The company’s website posted the following: One man’s dream to own a farmer’s market evolved into the destination that Country Cupboard as its campus has become today. Dan Baylor opened Country Cupboard in 1973 as a small restaurant, farmer’s market, and gift shop. In forty-nine years, its campus expanded to include the Restaurant, the Shops, two Inns, and Matty’s Grill.

Locals looking back on the end of an era, express sadness. Marian (Harman) Bender of Montgomery said, “We celebrated my 90th birthday there.” She remembered fondly that, “Audrey Livingston (Mrs. Dan Baylor), was a 1942 graduate of Montgomery High School. She was a good friend of my older sister Jean Mifhler, so Audrey spent lots of time at our home. Audrey told Jean that when she came to the restaurant, if she didn’t see her, she was to ask as she’d be around somewhere.”

Richard “Farmer” VanBuskirk, reported that, “We spent Thursday evening, Feb, 10 there, it will be our last time. The eatery was often where my Muncy Class of 1951 met to lunch. We have lost to closings, three of the best area restaurants our class enjoyed.” Reminding the couple of the Country Cupboard was the purchase of a couch about two years ago. More recently bought was a sign printed with the following; “No one works harder than a farmer, except the farmer’s wife.” Though its a spoof he was ever a farmer, the nickname followed him since youth.

Luminary subscriber Cynthia (Snyder) Pfleegor of Turbotville said, “Its almost like a death in the family. I will always have fond memories of celebrating special occasions there, or just having meals with family, friends, and classmates.”

THE WRITERS PERSPECTIVE

My family, being customers more than 50 years, go back to the former Farmer’s Best along Route 405. We had been enjoying meals there a few years before the building was inundated by the 1972 flood. Following restoration, a small plaque on the wall marked the flood’s water line.

Later, Dan Baylor moved and built the Country Cupboard along route 15. I had attended a program where Mr. Baylor shared his business expertise. He noted that, relocating to the current site was a plus due to additional traffic. With business brochures in hand, he or a representative, attended bus conventions. Travel agents were assured the restaurant could accommodate bus loads of travelers. Other pluses cited for the success were the close proximity of a hospital and university.

Mr. Baylor said a few townspeople complained about snarled traffic. This seemed especially troublesome in the fall, when tourists, he described as “leaf peekers,” meandered about. To him, people were a boost to business.

Like many, I did not know the Baylor family, only the founder by sight. In a happenstance situation away from the restaurant, a meeting caused me to have an even higher respect for the entrepreneur.

Mr. Baylor attended the Buffalo Valley Produce Auction where local farmer’s brought fresh products for auction. Tags attached to lots listed a number so as not identify the farmer. It was unusual for me to drive produce to the auction, but because of the rarity, I stayed to observe the process.

Mr. Baylor was the successful bidder on several bushels of broccoli we’d cut fresh that morning. He approached the auctioneer to learn the farmer’s identity, and was directed to me. Asking if I could deliver to the restaurant, I replied it was on my way home. Supporting locals was and remains, high on my priority list.

My personal memories of dining experiences include taking our young grandchildren when each could eat free with an adult. The little ones were given a wooden nickel to spend at the candy counter. During a space in time, mini birthday cakes were presented to the celebrator, along with waiters and waitresses gathering to sing ‘Happy Birthday.’ Large cakes could be preordered from the bakery.

Over the years, the addition of shops made it a large complex. It would be easier to list what they didn’t have, than what they did. Only memories of favorite foods can remain, but keepsakes purchased will recall shopping experiences. From Farmer’s Best, an Alpine chime clock was a gift from my late mother. From Country Cupboard, the reminder is a complete tea-set featuring red poppies.

Its farewell to a long standing business with a stellar reputation, the fulfillment of a dream by the Baylor family, who knew how to please the public, and did.