Shopping Excursion to Waynesburg's South Side
A day trip to Waynesburg offers a chance to shop the season for unique gifts while enjoying the historical details that makes this old town a picturesque drive. If there are children on your list who want toys that capture the real world of animals and machinery, or friends with a hankering for the handmade, shop on the South Side of Waynesburg. Add lunch at an artisan eatery and your trip is complete!
The neighborly South Side of Waynesburg was a little late to the party in 1796 when Waynesburg was carved out of farmland to become the county seat. Land south of Greene Street was mostly cornfields that sloped down to Ten Mile Creek. But by 1886, it had streets, houses, a railroad depot and a thriving business district. The new Waynesburg Milling Company on First and Washington streets was high tech 19th century, with its “New Process” roller that could turn 600 bushels of wheat a day into flour and bring new business to area farmers.
Charles B. Blair bought the mill in 1928, kept the name and continued to grind flour until 1941 when he transitioned to livestock feeds. Eventually the Blair family stopped milling grain and switched to offering the best feed on the market. A fire took the old mill in 2001. A painting by artist Dave Lesako that hangs inside captures the old mill beautifully.
This family friendly, animal lovers dream store offers everything from livestock gear, feed and medicines to seeds, pet supplies, toys, gifts and brand name products including Purina and WAYCO Feeds. Toys for pets and kids of all ages populate the aisles. There’s a whole corner of soaps, honey, local authors, greeting cards, hand drawn calendars, jewelry and wood crafts, proudly labeled “Made in Greene County.” If you’re looking for that perfectly realistic, nontoxic animal figurines, from bears and sea horses to whales, wolves and long horned steers, you’ve come to the right place!
Other industrial buildings in this part of town have been retooled for 21st century shopping and eating. Kiln to Table on 352 Richhill Street is a must stop for both great food and handmade gifts. This establishment shows what hard work and inspiration can do to an old industrial space.
Owner Jennifer Adamson redid the building to become PA Mug Co., a pottery business with the best coffee in town. It was a creative oasis for making and marketing Adamson’s work. In 2019, Adamson and her staff of dynamic women expanded operations and opened Kiln to Table. A place where artisan food is prepared then served up in the shop’s hand thrown bowls, mugs and plates. These pieces are for sale year-round, along with other locally crafted goodies – cutting boards, specialty coffees, cards, jewelry and accessories.
Outside there’s plenty of room to park and relax, eat outdoors when the weather is right and enjoy the creative energy at work here that is bringing new life. Noted local journalist John O’Hara once lived across the street from Kiln to Table. He is credited with bringing Rain Day to national media attention. A prolific writer, his many columns about life in the county were published as Fact and Folklore and More Fact and Folklore. Both books are available at Cornerstone Genealogical Society.
COVID-19 Precautions: Help us Stay Safe & Open!
While visiting Greene County, we ask visitors to observe social distancing, wear face coverings while indoors and around people, and follow current CDC regulations to keep our community safe and our businesses open.
