44 | WINCHESTERCOLLECTOR.ORG • SUMMER 2016 After the concrete work was finished and polished, David contracted with an Arkansas artist to create six templates of Winchester Store advertising. These templates were used to paint the Winchester logos into the concrete itself. Even the bathroom has an era claw-foot tub and wall-reservoir pull chain toilet with a seat from the New Haven factory. His attention to detail was nothing short of phenomenal. After many months of overseeing construction, David needed a break. All of the boxes upon boxes of Winchester memorabilia sat unopened in the new building for three to four months while he caught his breath preparing for the daunting task of stocking his store. As he began to unpack, he used the Winchester “Methods of Arrangement” Guide. This not only helped when he was originally constructing the storefront itself inside his new building, but also guided his set-up of the store window displays. He challenged himself to make the most exact duplication possible. David has created the true feel of an actual store, as you can see from this magazine’s cover photo. He has a checkout counter with a vintage cash register from a Winchester Store filled with money dating from 1928. He has grouped his merchandise by sections the same as in an actual Winchester Store. He has a sporting goods section with everything from baseballs to basketballs, boxing to hockey, and everything else in between. He has sections for fishing equipment, garden tools, mechanics tools, radio and phonograph, Christmas and household items. He even has an original Winchester Paint display, with Winchester paints, varnish and brushes. His employee “break area” houses a Winchester Store stove and icebox. He has over 30 original five-panel store window displays in his collection. If Winchester had made tables and chairs, I am sure they would be a part of this great display. All of the five-panel window displays used are originals from the Winchester Store era. This comprehensive collection includes many Winchester rarities. The overwhelming volume of Winchester items that David has in his “Store” cannot be included in one article. Please visit the WACAwebsite for a more complete view of this great collection. We hope you will take the time to see all of the amazing items available at the “Spirit Lake Winchester Store.” Private tours are available by appointment by contacting David at [email protected]. View more photos of David’s Winchester Store by visiting WinchesterCollector.org. Jennifer Gole #9526 is a PatronMember of the NRA, Past Director of WACA, Past Secretary of WCA and Member of OGCA. Email Jennifer at [email protected]. Gary Gole is WACA Member #4283, Life Member of OGCA and Benefactor Member of the NRA.
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