Sometimes one forgets what they have until it’s gone. The Springs General Store has been a beacon of excellence not only for decades but for well over a century and a half! Hopefully it continues, but there is no denying that present owner Kristi Hood has kept the historic general store to the highest standards.
The Springs General Store has been a local gathering oasis for the last 180-plus years. Civil War death notices were once printed on the wall that now lists rooms for rent, tennis lessons, or yoga instructors and other local items of interest.
Ms. Hood, actually originally from California, is up before the sun baking and preparing staples for the store. She has kept the tradition of the Miller family’s personal commitment for almost two decades now. Her children are now grown and perhaps she may need a change. Nothing is forever, especially in these times of crazy real estate.
There are historic photos of the store with horses, horse and buggies in books and libraries. Then came the cars like the Model “T” Fords, old pick-up trucks and gas pumps. The old gas pumps are still off to the side but haven’t been active for decades. They are time pieces.
There are many stories affiliated with the Springs General Store. Marilyn Monroe and Arthur Miller used to pull up in their Jaguar convertible with their Basset Hound “Hugo!” That was from the years they rented a 1500 square foot cottage from the Potters off of Stony Farm Hill.
Most locals know of how a broke Jackson Pollack paid the Millers with an actual painting of his. Ms. Hood somewhere in the fresh coffee section has kept a photo of the Pollack Painting hanging in the store.
Nothing lasts forever, so it’s important to appreciate Ms. Hood’s time running the Springs General Store. She has always been a dedicated owner. Years ago she said to this writer, “I am always fine tuning, but I love the history associated with it, I love that it was, and still is, a community gathering place, a place where people come to see and be seen. I pride myself on knowing my neighbors and greeting new people.”
She knows the history well enough to give a graduate course lecture on the place. In fact, she took pride when years ago her kids came home and said the history teacher at the Springs School mentioned the store in class that day.
Anyone who frequents the Springs General Store on a regular basis knows about the fresh food baked on the premises daily. Then there are the wonderful breads for the sandwiches, the lunch specials. My wife loves the Tofu #8 where I prefer their classic hot Turkey meatloaf on toasted seven grain bread with ketchup and mayo.
Others opt for potatoes, egg, chicken, tuna, and other special salads that are wonderful. There are the famous cookies, local honey, along with a wonderful selection of cold beverages. There are also soups, a favorite in the winters. The coffee section is to the right when you walk in and is what Starbuck’s tries to be. For Springs locals it is a place to meet your neighbors with atmosphere.
When I lived in the Springs, I wore their iconic Springs hat and tee-shirts all summer long; many still do.
It may be wise to stop in and tell Kristi Hood thanks for the two decades of service to the community. One never knows what the future brings but lots of change is happening in the Hamptons.
