MOUNT HOPE, WV (WOAY) – Old Mount Hope High School may have been closed for years; but is now thriving as an indoor/outdoor flea market.
They host events (the spooky kind) and others throughout the year to bring the community and families together in a safe space.
“It’s important to small businesses. With the economy being rough as it is, this gives us an opportunity for our own families to thrive and people to get back on their feet and provide for their families and the community — by offering options instead of corporate stores like Walmart and Target,” said Small Business Owner Franchesca Perry.
According to the Purdy Things proprietor, you can find all kinds of unique items there.
“We have a trick or treat for the school (kids), a haunted house, pumpkin patch, and lots of photo opportunities. It’s just a good, safe Halloween environment.”
Integrated in 1956, MHHS closed in 2011. This entrepreneur gave it new life…
“A lot of history. You know, I wanted for a long time to have an indoor/outdoor flea market like some of the other states have and this was the perfect place to do something like this,”
Turnaround Specialist Marvin Bunting said of resurrecting the shuttered school building.
She brings her cool baskets to Chili Night and Bridge Day and now Old Mount Hope High School…
“Right now I’m doing Halloween baskets, other(wise) known as Boo Baskets. They have candy, decor, candles, bath soaps, a variety of different things,” said Basketcases Crafter Elizabeth Williams.
Mount Hope is a small town and Fayetteville is designated one of America’s ‘Coolest Small Towns.’
“They got the Bridge Day thing going on down there but Mount Hope’s right in the middle of everything,” Bunting said. “You got the rafting down that way, skiing up the other way. You got the Boy Scouts right here.”
Elizabeth Williams’ mom (Anna Wade Spangler) went to Mount Hope High School during her freshman year. The 19-year-old is now living a full-circle moment knowing the school in its way is still giving back to the community.
“Feels great that young people like me can come out here and have a start of our business, and maybe individuals who aren’t so lucky to have their own storefront could come here,” said the crafter. “We’re bringing back something to the town of Mount Hope.”
IF YOU WANT TO GO
Legends Hwy, Mount Hope
Thursday, Friday, Sunday | 10am
Winter Saturdays | 8am
Summer Saturdays | 6am
