Anytime can be “coffee time” in Spring Valley since Wayne and Joanie Musel have opened the doors of Comforts of the Past August 15, 2016. The idea of sharing her gifts came to Joanie in 2013 when employment conditions changed and Wayne began thinking about retiring from his roofing position at Schwickert’s in Rochester. “I wanted to give back to the community in a way I know best,” states Joanie. “Cooking for a big family and using family recipes combined with my love of people, coffee, music, and the Vikings came together in this new business.”
The months which ensued between this initial wish to open a business and the opening day were filled with details. Wayne comments, “After buying the building, we were surprised to find the stained glass windows covered by insulation and panel board. When you take a building built in 1891, many design changes and structural details need to be looked at. It’s been quite a job, especially hard boarding the kitchen and we’ve got a lot more projects we want to complete.”
The coffeehouse is still “a work in progress” as the Musels muse as they reflect on the transformation this structure has made over the years. This building was constructed as a church in the late 1800s and home of the United Brethren Methodist Congregation until 1950 when it was closed. For many years it was the meeting place of the Masonic Lodge and is now a gathering place for an early morning coffee, a little lunch anytime of the day, or a place to meet after a day’s work is done. Shannon Snow, prep cook and daughter of the owner, is thrilled with the historical connection of Comforts of the Past. She shares, “I like the fact that in the time period this building was constructed, neighbors came together to build. It’s neat to think that Almonzo Wilder was probably involved with this building.”
The beauty of the stained glass allows light and mood to flow throughout the three floors available at Comforts of the Past. The loft area allows a more casual setting and may be ideal for small meetings like a book club. Joanie says, “We are Vikings fans and will have parties during the football season, but not on Sundays when we are at the games ourselves. Plus, we are planning on October 31st to have football on the big screen in the lower level and a party for Halloween on the main floor.”
“It’s more than just a place for getting together,” remarks Manager Sarah Osterhus, a Spring Valley native. “We want to educate people about the varieties of coffees available today, especially cold brew and nitro coffee. I hope people will find Comforts of the Past a place where they can meet and talk. There can never be too many places for people to get out and our location is ideal!”
The parking for Comforts of the Past is just north of the coffeehouse. “Lance and Diane Sikkink sold us the lot to the north,” says Wayne. “We put in special handicapped parking and ramps and have a deck out the back if people want to sit outside.”
The idea of working in her hometown appeals to Sarah, who greets most people who enter the cafe by their first name. “I grew up here and have always come back here. My family roots are here and it feels so good to be able to give back to this community by providing a place for people to get together, for lunch or meetings or even to sit and have some down time while waiting for school or a practice to get done where wifi and phone charging are available. It was just time for a coffeehouse in Spring Valley.”
Joanie is amazed at seeing her dream become a reality and feels the hand of God is helping them each day. “Divine Inspiration is center in Comforts of the Past,” states Joanie. “So many times I have seen signs encouraging me to step forward. And we have so many ideas we are working on. We hope to have call-in available soon and encourage everyone to visit our website and Facebook page.”
There are plans brewing for the future, yet today, Comforts of the Past Coffeehouse – Cafe – Antiques located at 200 East Park Street, Spring Valley, Minn. is open at 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, with the kitchen closing at 7 p.m. After that time a person can still order coffee, espresso drinks, pop, and tea – iced or hot, also smoothies, shakes, sundaes, cones, floats and pie or other items not needing the kitchen. The staff of Comforts of the Past are ready to serve those in Fillmore County, as well as those traveling through town. This quaint coffeehouse can be reached at (507) 922-0069 (a local call in Spring Valley) or visit them at http://www.comfortsofthepast.com/.
Leave a Reply