Marking a new beginning in the next chapter for the store and its owners, Tim and Nancy Cook had the grand opening of their bait and tackle shop, The Fishin’ Hole, recently. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the business helped the new owners, the Cooks, make it clear that the store will be grounded in family values, they said.
“My husband and I wanted to spend more time together,” said Nancy, previously employed as a nurse for 30 years. Her husband, Tim, was formerly self-employed and said he is looking forward to spending more time with his wife, as well. “Family is our number one priority, always,” Nancy said. The Cooks’ daughter, April, was on hand for the Saturday festivities, making sure things were running smoothly up front. Connie Wells, Nancy’s sister-in-law, made sure that everyone was well fed. Barbecue was served hot off the cooker, along with hot dogs and pound cake. Friends played a vital role on the special day, assisting with all the last minute details.
Former owners Jim and Dianne Crouse were among the first to come and congratulate the Cooks. The store had been closed for six months before the Cooks opened it again and this was a welcome sight, the Crouses said. “It’s good to see this place come back to life,” Jim added.
Offering its customers everything from homemade honey to hunting knives, “The Fishin’ Hole” promises its customers the best of the simple things. Locally crafted woodwork is along the walls, as are fishing rods, nets, hooks, homemade paddles, minnows, dog food, worms and even small rocking chairs. “We want this to be a country store where everyone can come in and feel comfortable,” said Nancy, “as long as we can make a decent living, we’re happy.”
“We just want to offer cheap prices and good fun,” added April, with a grin. The Cooks’ young granddaughter, Scooter, is their best salesgirl. The store is not without its sentimental touches, which extends to its decorations. On the back wall of the store hangs a drawing of a hummingbird, a gift Nancy received from one of her patients, Harold, while working at Mullins Nursing Center. Nearly every picture that hangs on the walls of the store is from her home, although Nancy hopes to change that. She wants to fill the walls up with pictures of the store’s customers.
“I’m waiting for the time when the walls get full and I get to take my treasures home,” she said. More friends trickled into the store as the day went on and the store gradually filled with the sounds of conversation and laughter.
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