Sharon Spohn, Special to The Mercury
AMITY — It’s no sur rise that Marjorie Yocum opened a gift


Yocum worked for years in the doll museum alongside her mother, Marjorie Darrah, repairing antique dolls.

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“We always did have a gift shop in here but now it’s just all gifts and furniture,” Yocum said of the gift shop, which is located in the former antiques museum.

The shop officially opened for business on Sept. 23, and has many items including country furniture, candles, antique china, cards, lamps, soaps and candy. Hand-blown glass ornaments in a variety of colors hang in a window near the entrance.

The decision to open a gift shop came from the urging of friends and family.

“It’s an ideal spot for a gift store,” Yocum said.

She co-manages the gift shop with Roseanne Darrah. The two have been working in the store to prepare for the opening for several months.

The new shop’s opening day turned out to be quite busy.

“We were busy all day,” Darrah said.

“It’s all a blur,” Yocum said.

A glass case filled with antique dolls for sale is a subtle reminder of the business Yocum grew up in with her mother.

The gift shop carries a large selection of Madam Alexander dolls and a room full of a variety of new furniture. Wreaths, lampshades and many unique gift items can be found in the store.

Merritt’s Gifts and Furniture is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday noon to 5 p.m. The store is closed Tuesdays.