Back in the Day

They say 60 is the new 40. Don’t they? Our little stone building was built in 1956 and looks even better today than in its early years.

According to Bill Hastings — local historian, visionary, owner of the Paoli Cheese Cottage, and unofficial mayor of Paoli — the Paoli Mills scale house was built of stone left over from the construction of the Fetherston's residence in Verona. The next time you’re near Miller’s grocery store in Verona, drive about a block west on Church Avenue and see our close relative at 202 Church Avenue.

Paoli Cheese Cottage

If you’ve visited Paoli any time in the last 35 years, you probably think of our old location/building as the Paoli Cheese Cottage. We were in this 168 square foot building for 3 years.

This building was built in the 1950s and its early years were spent as a scale house for the Paoli Mills operation. Trucks would pull up to be weighed before and after delivering grain. Times changed, the mill business faded away and the property fell into disrepair. Really, just about the whole town was in sad shape.

It’s safe to say that Paoli was saved from being a footnote in history by the efforts of one man— Bill Hastings. Bill led the rebirth of Paoli as the town evolved into an artist community and shopping destination. He and Denise Metzger opened Paoli Cheese in the 1980s and it became the area’s premier cheese purveyor and a favorite of cyclists, travelers, and locals. Bill continues to be the major player in Paoli’s renaissance.

Paoli Road Mercantile is a currated gallery and shop where you can find something that you didn’t know you couldn’t live without. Jewelry, art, ceramics & local goods, are in store for you during your next visit to Paoli. We look forward to making a new tradition with you.

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