Mainstay uptown business to close after owner’s death

An Athens business that’s been a constant for over 50 years will soon disappear from the city. It’s a small, utilitarian place. It was open later than most bars. It had wall-to-wall merchandise, cheap cigarettes and a calm, weary dog. A half-lucid voice at the counter never failed to ask, “You want matches?” If you haven’t already guessed, it’s the Campus Sundry on West Union Street, and by 2012 it will be a memory.

Campus Sundry owner Paul Abraham died suddenly on Sept. 28, 2011 in his home; his beloved dog, Star, by his side. Good business was Abraham’s pleasure and passion. His commodities included thought, conversation and deals. He left the store stocked and thousands of adoring customers wondering what happened.

The first-time visit to the Sundry was usually confusing. A quick scan around the store typically missed the item you really needed. Thus another glance followed the first. Eventually you would lose track of what you needed as signed posters of celebrities or nudie magazines caught your attention. Then Abraham would walk up from his back office, jar first-time patrons from their inquiring daze and tiredly ask if he could help with anything.

Read more from The Athens NEWS. | Photo credit: Dustin Franz, The Athens NEWS.

Thanks for reading athensohio.neighborhoodr.com • Ask • Submit • Follow • Twitter • If you like our blog, please spread the word!