Boyds Bears Coming to Apalachin
Cedar Court Collectibles to Open at Train Station

Cedar Court Collectibles, a retail store specializing in bears, will open next month at the former Lackawanna train station in Apalachin. Candy Kelly, the store's owner, says she "has the best selection of Boyds Bears in the entire Triple cities area." Cedar Court Collectibles will also feature Ty Beanie Babies, Muffy VanDerBear, and Cottage Collectibles, as well as accessories for bears including high chairs, sunglasses, hats, clothing, dresses - "anything you want for the well-dressed bear," says Candy.

In addition to bear related merchandise, Cedar Court Collectibles will have a small section of equestrian related merchandise including saddle stands, tack trunks, and bridle racks. These are made by carpenter John Churchill of Nichols, and custom painted by Lynne O'Brien of Waverly.

The 86-year-old brick train station was bought earlier this year by David Dzuba who plans to open an ice-cream parlor in the east end of the building. Cedar Court Collectibles will occupy the station's waiting room in the west end of the building.

Candy Kelly has been in business for eight years. For the past two years, she has been located at Tioga Park in Nichols and currently has no plans to leave Tioga Park when she opens in Apalachin.

"I've been looking for a place in Apalachin for over a year. I think it's just an explosive area," Candy said, citing the anticipated building of the bridge across the river and the possibility of Route 17 becoming an interstate.

Candy's interest in selling bears began when she was looking to diversify the products she sold at the horse shows in which her daughter competed. Her equestrian related products interested adults, but the children "were always looking to spend five or ten dollars and I had nothing to interest them," remembered Candy.

Inspired by her co-workers who collected bears, Candy got a few Boyds Bears to sell at the horse shows. But the adults bought the bears, not the kids. No matter, Candy was soon doing festivals and selling more bears.

"I found out that this was where it was at for me and I really learned to love them. When you see the Boyds Bears, one just calls out to you. Each bear has its own personality," said Candy. The Boyds Bears' eyes are put in by hand, and their noses are hand embroidered which gives each bear a different look. "They're all individuals. They're wonderful bears. Such originality."

The old train station, which has been empty since the 1950's, is being renovated. "I just love that train station," said Candy. "I think it's going to be great."


©ACP/BEAM 1998