Historic Somers Building Damaged by Crash

At 2:11 a.m. on Sunday, a Chevy 1500 pickup truck crashed into the Ye Olde Blacksmith Shoppe in Somers.

According to police, the vehicle was going up Maple Street and instead of turning, went straight and into the building.

Police have the vehicle, but the driver left the scene - either on foot or was picked up by someone.

The crash is still under investigation and police are attempting to locate the operator of the vehicle.

The historic building at the corner of Pinney Road and Maple Street is rented from the town by the Ladies Aid Society of the Congregational Church of Somersville. The Ladies Aid Society uses the building to sell donated goods in a continuous tag sale, opening every Saturday during May, June, September, and October.

The Ladies Aide Society of the Congregational Church of Somersville has operated a second-hand shop for nearly 50 years and relies on generous donations from people in Somers and surrounding towns.

“Our shoppers also come from all over and many are repeat customers,” said Linda Longueuil, president of the Ladies Aide Society. “Many come for our baked goods as well as looking for a bargain. Kids love looking through the toys and we sometimes have a ‘free’ box for them. Migrant farm workers come looking for inexpensive items to use while they are living in the area. Bicycles were a big hit with them when we had them. There is something there for everyone - glassware, dishes, linens, books, and even a men’s section.”

Ladies Aide provides financial support to the church, contributing to projects and general expenses and purchasing needed items. In addition, it provides holiday meals to those in need in Somers, delivers May baskets to shut-ins, and assembles hygiene kits for disaster areas.

“The Blacksmith Shoppe provides the majority of our income to be able to provide these services,” said Longueuil. “Without the income from the Blacksmith Shoppe, I don’t know what we will do. We are hoping that the damage to the Blacksmith does not mean the end to our second-hand shop. We would miss the income and we would definitely miss all our loyal customers. Some are like family and stop in almost every time we are open.”

Now the historic building has been condemned and its future, and the future of the good works of the Ladies Aid Society, is up in the air.