The Whistle Stop Coffee Shop and Grill was located on upper Main Street in Ashley Falls during the 1950s. Several photographs of the business are shown above and below. The name was chosen by owners Mary and Emerick Schneck because the train station was located next door. At the time, Mary was a well known artist and educator. Emerick was a talented textile designer, industrial engineer, and artist.
When the Route 7 bypass was built circa 1960, small businesses in Ashley Falls suffered, and the restaurant closed. Emerick passed away in 2010, just a few months short of his 100th birthday. During his senior years, Emerick’s longtime friend and caregiver, Patricia Blumhagen, operated the Organic Herb Barn and Art Gallery at this location. The business is now closed and the property was recently sold.
