This very successful women's clothing and accessories shop was there for more than two decades. Personally I remember Bev's two white dogs hanging around the shop a lot.
Fringe Benefit was eventually bought by Nancyne Willoughby, and about 9 years ago moved to the old spot where Davidson's men's clothing shop was on Main Street. Fringe Benefit is still going strong, and is one of the nicest retail shops in downtown Blacksburg.
The picture above is of the original store on College Avenue (sorry it's not a better photo).
Back in the day, I called Bev a friend. Though never legally married (who cared in those days) she lived with one of my best friends, Alan Patterson. They rented a house by the River, then Alan built them a beautiful house in Giles County. I spent a lot of time with both Alan and Bev back in the late 60's and early 70's. Bev was not only a terrific business woman, but a kind and gentle soul. I would always stop in to the Fringe, even after I had long moved away. On one visit I was admiring one of the leaded crystal spheres she had on display. "Would you like one?" she asked. "Sure how much are they?" I replied. "For you, no charge." I picked out the prettiest one (of course) and the business woman rose up for a milli second (it was a $20 dollar item), then she smiled, and said, "Here, let me wrap it for you." And she did. When I thought back I realized how special she was, and how greedy I was. Just the fact that I remember that gesture so many years later, tells you how much I think of her today. Though I remain in touch with Alan, I lost track of Bev, though I would love to catch up with her.
ReplyDeleteCould this by any chance be Frank Miller? I can be contacted at sisirie@prismnet.com
DeleteWow, this made my heart go boom! That was my store at that time. GOOD TIMES galore.
ReplyDeleteStep back in time! I just stumbled on this site by chance.. I managed Fringe Benefit for Bev around 1982-83... she was my mentor and friend. I was thrilled as a sophomore in Clothing and Textiles to join her on a buying trip to NYC. I will never forget that trip.. I think we stayed at the Barbizon Hotel... I was in awe watching Bev comb the isles at the show purchasing items such a savvy entrepreneur! I had never been to NYC and when she went out to dinner with a friend I sat on the window sill of the hotel room watching and listening to the sights of the city feeling so accomplished! Did I ever thank you properly Bev?! I was such a young naïve girl dreaming of becoming a designer or buyer... and then I’ll never forget you invited me to your home for thanksgiving dinner.. I met Alan and you both entertained so welcoming in your lovely home by the river. Thank you Bev you touched my life and launched me into my career in advertising before settling to marry and start a family. I’ve only been back to Blacksburg once to show my children VA Tech as a college option. I settled in the northeast for years and now live in MI on a lake and am fulfilling my dream as an artist painting in oils as my children are grown ... Bev reach out if you see this post I would love to catch up! Susie Beighey-Morrell. My blog is www.susiemorrell.blogspot.com
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Northern California. In the early 70s Susan and I used to hang out with Bev and Alan, and I well remember Fringe Benefit. One of the vital organs of the local scene.
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