Sprucing Up Ada’s in Riverside

Screen Shot 2014-07-24 at 10.55.55 PMAt the July 23 ARC meeting representatives from Ada’s Variety Shop presented plans to restore the vintage house that has been known for penny candy for decades.

The application is to repair existing roof and siding and would include updating windows and replacing gutters. Plans include replicating the original gingerbread features. The owners had a limited permit to remove layers in order to see what was underneath and replicate it. They said they also found pieces inside the house that served as useful clues.  The plans include new windows and gutters. The existing windows are all single pane windows, though some are rotted out.

Plans include a small picket fence to match what had been there originally, based on a vintage postcard in possession of the Historical Society, though there was some debate as to whether the existing chain link fence belongs to the property or the Town.

A sign on the front of Ada’s dispels any rumor of the demise of the variety shop:

A rumor may have begun
But we want it to be undone
Because the store is staying open!
Where ever you may have heard it
We want you to forget it!
So come on in.
And let the fun of picking candy begin.

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Ada’s Variety Shop Facebook page.

A sign on the door of Ada’s this week reads, “The Romaniello family would like the Riverside and surrounding communities to know that Ada’s Variety Shop is keeping their doors open. We are honoring both Ada and Kelly’s memory and legacy by continuing to run the store. During this time of transition, we ask for your patience and understanding. Please know that hours may vary and to call ahead of time before stopping (203) 637-0305. Store hours will be flexible and may vary.”

After serving four generations of candy lovers  Ada Cantavaro died in at Greenwich Hospital in 2008. She was 88 and had owned the variety shop for 58 years.

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Ada’s Variety Shop is located at 112 Riverside Ave in Riverside and on Facebook or Twitter