By Christopher Sinclair

Prior to the shuttering of the Colebrook Store in 2007, it “had been the oldest continuously operated general store in the state of Connecticut, encompassing a span stretching from 1812 until 2007, 195 years,” according to the Colebrook Historical Society website. The store has seen countless residents pass through its doors over the course of hundreds of years, some in search of cool liquid refreshment in the dog days of August, some for respite from the cold in the dead of winter. Although many locals became accustomed in recent years to passing by the vacant and dark storefront without a glance, new life is stirring within the walls of the beloved building in the town center, and a revival effort is well underway.

Jodi Marinelli, originally of Hartland, reopened the Colebrook Store in December and now resides in the apartment above the storefront. Upon setting foot in the building for the first time, Marinelli felt as though “the building was hugging” her, and she says that this energetic embrace is what initially drew her in. She was struck by the rich history of the space, and by the dedication of the many proprietors who have overseen the store’s operation throughout its long life.

Marinelli, whose family has been in the restaurant and catering business for 40 years, has devoted much of her time since purchasing the building to seeing that the store’s doors remain open for a long while to come.

Marinelli says that for her, “consistency and good, homemade food” comprise the foundation upon which her business is being built. The store offers breakfast sandwiches, lunch, soups, chili and some lunch specials Monday through Friday. The store also offers catering for off-site events. In addition to the fresh home cooking, the store will have in stock grocery staples such as milk, eggs, bread, toilet paper, baking needs and other necessities. Marinelli is also working to acquire a liquor license, and hopes to have a beer cooler by the springtime. Some seasonal ideas are also in the works, including a novelty ice cream cooler for the warmer months.

While Marinelli says that it is “important to keep your local people happy,” she “would love for the Colebrook Store to become a destination for people in town or out of town. It is an amazing historic building for people to come and check out.” She is working to get local goods of various kinds on her shelves, everything from maple syrup from locally tapped trees to books penned by local authors. As the revival marches on and the store continues to grow and fill in, Marinelli says that she has been “overwhelmed by the support and the well wishes from the community,” adding that it has been more than she could have ever asked for.

Residents of Norfolk, fresh from the sting of the shuttered Corner Store, can easily imagine and sense the excitement surrounding this particular venture in neighboring Colebrook. As Marinelli devotes her life and energy to the Colebrook Store, a space that has so many stories to tell and so many stories still to form, residents from all over the Northwest Corner should consider stopping in and adding a few lines of their own.

Photos by Bruce Frisch.