Millstone Sport Shop Survives Yet Another Flood

It took almost five weeks for the Millstone Sport Shop to recover from Hurricane Irene.

Ralph Nalepka, who has owned the store along River Road for 38 years, has been through quite a few floods over the years, but Hurricane Irene ranks at the top of the list.

“This was worst than Floyd,” he says, describing the 13-15 inches of water that was on the second floor of the building. “This one was, for some reason, the worst.”

To prepare for Hurricane Irene, Nalepka rented two trailers and took everything on the first floor – including many collectibles – out for safe keeping. The second floor served as storage, including a lot of record-keeping documentation.

“I never expected it to hit the second floor,” he says, noting that he did lose a great deal of merchandise. “I got hammered.”

Millstone Sport Shop has long been a hunter’s haven, a source for firearms and ammunition, fishing, hunting and archery equipment and live bait, as well as vintage collectibles.

Times have changed and so have Nalepka’s customers.

“Years ago there was a lot of hunting; however, that has gone by the boards. There’s no place to hunt,” he explains. “A lot of the younger generation is not into outdoor activities.”

Gun sales also have been impacted by additional government restrictions. The 68-year-old prides himself on adhering to all the government requirements, adding, “I’ve never had the police come in and say ‘one of your law-abiding people committed a felony’.”

On the other hand, he says, “You would be surprised how many families own handguns because of the fear of home invasions. All of a sudden, I’m selling a lot of mace, too.”

The impact of Hurricane Irene coupled with the economic situation has Nalepka re-thinking the future.

“This time of year, I should be busier than anything and it’s not happening,” he says. “Thirty-eight years ago it was a lot of fun. I met a lot of good people. The old-timers were loyal. Today, no matter what you do, it’s not enough. It’s only a matter of time.”

If Nalepka eventually decides to close the doors to the Millstone Sport Shop, he declares, “It’s been a good run. I’ve met a lot of fine people.”