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With An Appreciation for the Past And Eye to the Future Celebrating 20 Years of Bub’s Barn

photo by Cheryl White Vermont ingenuity, once a cow barn transformed into a modern furniture display store. Bub, Meg, Shawn and Scott are eager to offer their expertise in helping customers with their furniture needs.

photo provided Vergennes Commission Sales 1956 — Bub’s Barn 2009

Tuesday March 31, 2009

By Cookie Steponaitis

    When Bub Crosby first walked the floors of Bub’s Barn it had a very different look and function. Built in 1932, the barn was the center of Crosby Farms and Commission Sales and a cornerstone of the Vergennes Community. In 1986 the cows left, but Bub did not. In fact, he and his wife Meg set about reinventing the building, preserving the barn, but keeping the hallmarks of being in business in a small Vermont town: service, relationships, community and connections.

    Both Crosby’s are no stranger to being business owners or being a part of the fabric of life in Vergennes. Bub’s family ran the commission sales but can actually document being self-employed business owners since 1803. Meg’s dad’s great uncle started a business in 1886 on the Main Street of Vergennes that still stands today. Originally called R.W. Hudson, it has been J.W.& D.E. Ryan since anyone can remember and continues to serve local people with 123 years of service. Being raised in an environment that taught, “a work ethic and relating to people,” it is easy to see how both followed in the pattern of their ancestors.

    April 1, 1986 marked the opening of the Furniture Barn and the rest is history. “We have seen a lot of change in the economy, styles and trends, “ remarked Meg. “ We have felt fortunate to be in Addison County; where while there are so many other places regionally to shop that people shop and continue to support the business.”  Besides a strong independent Yankee spirit, both Bub and Meg credit the good products and good service that keep people coming back. “ We deal with neighbors and friends, “ Bub remarked. “ We have always worked to keep our product quality high and to offer prices that meet the needs of our community. You can’t offer a sofa for $900.00 today and have people see it at $500.00 the next day. We sell country and traditional furniture and take care to see to the little details.”

   On duty every day is another member of the Crosby family who is as well known. Lucy, a black Labrador is the official greeter at the store and has even shown people around the 20,000 square feet of showroom and follows them up to the loft where discounted items, as is items and one of a kind piece also await viewing. Lucy is only the third Labrador to hold this position in 20 years and takes her role seriously. Rounding out the Bub’s Barn team include Scott Delorme who began working at the Commission Sales in his teens and took over charge of the warehouse, trucking and deliveries in the early 1980’s. He is assisted by Shawn Thomas who has been with them three years and the sales staff is completed by Belinda Curler who has been there at least 10 years. “ We have been blessed, “ Meg commented. “ Bub & I work with people who are a joy and have been with us over the years to see the richness of the friendships and connections that come from living and owning a business in a small community.”

    While each day brings a new and fascinating adventure, Bub & Meg would like to thank the community for their support and patronage for the past 20 years. All during the month of April there will be special events and a drawing on April 30th for a $ 1,000 gift certificate, with no purchase necessary to win. While quality merchandise, pleasant people, great service and a caring for the heritage and quality of life of Addison County,  all hallmarks of Bub’s Barn and Bub & Meg Crosby, the staff of Valley Voice encourages everyone, both past customers and new ones to stop by the barn on New Haven Road to meet two special people. Remember, “ while the cows paid for the barn so you don’t have to,” Bub’s Barn is a testimony to the determination and dedication of the Crosby’s to meet the needs of the customer, friends and two generations of patrons the very best in furniture and friendship.

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