By Bob Weaver
People come from all over the country to visit Berdine's 5 & 10 cent store in Harrisville, described as "America's oldest five and dime with tin ceilings."
School kids have stopped by the store since 1908 to spend pennies, nickels and dimes on candy, and look at hundreds of toys, games and puzzles, many reminiscent of an earlier time.
There are bins and bins of novelties and handy household items you'll rarely find in today's stores, including bulk candy.
Kit Carson Berdine and his brother came to Harrisville from Greene County Pennsylvania, Berdine married a Ritchie County girl. When the store first opened, nothing cost more than ten cents.
The Court Street building is owned by the IOOF lodge, which still meets upstairs.
Many Ritchie County residents remember Fred W. Berdine, son of the original owner. Young Berdine began working in the store when he was old enough to see over the counter. He went off to World War II, and returned to purchase his dad's interest.
"I came here as a kid to buy kites," said a customer who brought
his boy to visit the store, "It's an adventure for him, so many things to look at."
For no single reason, most folks will enjoy a trip to Berdine's.
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