PROCTORSVILLE, Vt. – Dan and Alison Singleton were in line to become the third generation of owners to run Singleton’s General Store on Main Street in Proctorsville, to take effect on Aug. 1. The young couple, parents of three small boys, were ready to put down roots and take on the day-to-day responsibilities of running the infamous store, a Vermont destination known for selling “whiskey, guns, and ammo” since it opened in its current location in 1978.
But, before the final paperwork was signed on Monday, July 10, Dan and Alison found themselves watching the waters of the Black River rise, as a raging storm hit Proctorsville and surrounding towns, causing major flooding and damage throughout the region.
As water started spilling over the riverbanks, it filled the picnic area first, and they moved the tables to higher ground. Then the store’s parking lot started flooding, then the basement. They tried to save as much from the lower shelves as possible, but the water just kept coming, and Dan and Alison realized they had to get their staff, and themselves, out.
Alison recalled that Dan was shuttling employees home through the rapidly flooding streets, as she sat in disbelief on the basement steps thinking, “What is happening?” She watched helplessly as all the items stored there – store merchandise, supplies, and backstock, but also so many personal and family memories – were destroyed.
The basement flooded to the ceiling, and when the force of the water smashed all the windows, Alison burst into tears.
By that evening, Dan, Alison, their three children, and Smokey, a burly, grey bulldog and the store’s honorary mascot, were left stranded at the store. “We were on our own little island,” Alison said.
A neighbor kindly offered the family a place to stay, and they waded through knee-deep water carrying the kids and Smokey to shelter.
Both Alison and Dan are Vermont natives. Alison grew up in Poultney. Dan grew up in Proctorsville, and worked at Singleton’s as a teen, but left for California after graduation. He said when he was a kid, he had no aspirations to run Singleton’s. But when Dan came back to the area nine years ago, he met Alison, and that changed.
With the determination and spirit of true Vermonters, Alison and Dan returned to Singleton’s the following morning, and got right to work. Soon, they were making bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches in the parking lot, feeding everyone who showed up. Alison put out free store merchandise which could no longer be sold, but with a wash or two could be worn. “I didn’t want to throw it all away,” she explained. “There was so much, and it was still good!”
The fire department had to shut down the store when it was discovered that the gas tank spilled when the basement flooded. But once the hazard was cleared, it was all hands on deck as employees, friends, family, and neighbors pitched in to clean up.
Alison described the days following the flood as “a blur,” and said they just kept moving forward, dealing with things as they came up. “I think we were just in shock,” Alison commented. “It was like a fight or flight response. You just do what needs to be done.”
Being part of, and of service to the larger Okemo Valley community is important to Alison and Dan, and now that Ludlow has temporarily lost Shaw’s grocery store, Alison said they’re being mindful of filling the void. They started stocking larger quantities of staple items, although Alison pointed out their store has a fraction of the storage space Shaw’s has.
Singleton’s will be hosting this year’s Stuff-a-Truck event with the Ludlow and Proctorsville fire departments, to benefit Black River Good Neighbor Services.
Alison and Dan will continue to carry a wide variety of locally produced products, and the signature array of kitschy goods that Singleton’s is known for, ranging from puzzles and classic kids’ toys to hand-knit hats and mittens, and so much more. The deli features a lunch special of the day, and Alison posts mouth-watering photos on Facebook of smoked pork belly burnt ends, or fried mac and cheese balls.
The team at Singleton’s is prepping for the holidays, and looking forward to serving locals and out-of-towners during the winter ski season. The store has been a vital part of the community since it opened, and Alison and Dan feel strongly that the tradition of creating a warm, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere lives on.