Time Travel
Wilson’s Old Country Store dates to 1847 and has been a true general store for more than 175 years.
Wilson’s Old Country Store is a step back in time with food, home goods, antiques, and charm
By April Bartel
Seth Possinger and Nick Cullember tidy up the candy jars that are among the most popular items at Wilson’s Store. Credit: Cullember Photography
Exploring Civil War history on the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg or Antietam is one thing, but stepping into Wilson’s Old Country Store takes time travel to a whole new level.
Established in 1847 by Rufus Hillary Wilson, this charming shop and its surrounding “village” are steeped in history and registered in Maryland’s Historic Trust. Tales abound of Civil War soldiers stopping here for supplies, adding to the store’s allure. Located just east of Clear Spring, near Conococheague Creek, the property includes a large brick manse (a private residence), a general store, a former post office, a converted feed and grain room, a carriage house, a stone church, and a one-room schoolhouse that was used until the 1950s. The adjacent Sweetsies Eats and Treats is a more recent addition to this picturesque setting.
The property remained in the Wilson family until 1993, and it continues to thrive thanks to a chain of dedicated owners who share a passion for preserving this local landmark. Current proprietor, Penny Hose, opened neighboring Sweetsies in 2018, but her connection to Wilson’s runs deep. As a child, she fondly remembers riding her bike to the shop for candy.
An antique cash register is no longer in use but still on display. Credit: Cullember Photography
“I grew up on Ridge Road, and my dad and his friends would often gather around the potbelly stove at Wilson’s to chat,” Hose recalls. “My dad passed away a couple of years ago, but I have so many fond memories of this beautiful place.”
When the opportunity arose at the end of last year for her to take over Wilson’s, it only took a day to decide. “I thought about my childhood and how important it is to preserve this place so others can experience it,” she says.
Now holding the reins of this nostalgic institution, Hose made a few thoughtful updates. She expanded the store’s offerings with locally crafted goods like hand-knit scarves and hats, loose-leaf teas from Red Dragon Mini Farm in Boonsboro, and a wider array of Amish and Mennonite-made foods, including goodies from Grandma’s Jam House. Upstairs, the second-floor overflows with décor for all seasons, while the grain room is packed with treasures ranging from vintage cast iron cookware to whimsical cookie jars and furniture, even gently used modern items like designer purses and collectibles.
“We have items that people can just stop in and pick up—bread, milk, eggs, and lunch meat,” she says. Wilson’s sell stamps, too, but the only letters the semi-restored on-site post office takes are the ones from children to Santa during November and December.
The second floor of Wilson’s store is filled with collectibles and, at this time of year, holiday amenities.
A 1950s-era refrigerator and other antiques at Wilson’s Store.
The country ham and cut-to-order aged cheeses are best sellers, displayed in a timeworn oak cabinet. The specialty Cheddars, aged three to 11 years, come from Wisconsin in hefty 20-pound wheels. Fans love the sharp flavor and crunchy bits of crystalized calcium lactate that develop with maturation. For many, the real allure is the candy. Jars upon jars of sweet treats line the length of the store, filled with everything from classics to retro favorites that bring out the kid in all of us.
Hose confirms, “We go through hundreds of pounds of candy each week. And between the cheese and ham, we sell about 100 pounds of those a week.”
The old potbelly stove in Wilson’s Store has been the site of many conversations over the decades. Credit: April Bartel
Fans will be happy they can still get hand-cooked potato chips or pull a glass bottle of Coca-Cola from an antique, refrigerated chest. There are always samples, too, especially during special events like Wilson’s Christmas Open House on November 2. This festive day features entertainer Mack Berry performing and a visit from the big man himself, Santa. There are giveaways, sales, and an array of seasonal Christmas candies, like Peach Blossoms. Santa returns for more holiday cheer on December 7 and 14.
For Hose, Wilson’s is more than just a store. It is a piece of living history. While some customers have known the store their entire lives, others travel from far-off states to experience this slice of Americana. Either way, she is happy to help them create new memories.
“I like to talk to the people who come in and to watch the expressions on their faces when they see the old Coke bottles and different things we offer. You don’t find places like this just anywhere. We are keeping traditions alive.”