Small businesses are known for being resilient and it seems the folks at Christmas on Second are no exception. Just a week after the entire front fell off the historic building housing their store, they’ll be back in business on Friday, December 6.
They didn’t have to go far to find a new home. The Friends of Portsmouth organization offered to let them set up shop in their headquarters at 515 2ndStreet, just across the street from what’s left of their old home.
The building at 542 2nd Street suddenly began to crack last Saturday evening and within a few hours, the entire front façade had fallen into the street. The collapse was especially concerning as Portsmouth was anticipating large crowds for their Winterfest festivities. Portsmouth has become something of a Christmas destination spot in the past couple of years, even being named a Hallmark Hometown Christmas Town for 2019.
Store owner Janie Hass said she was amazed by the outpouring of support her family has received and thanked friends, family, and local first responders for everything they’d done.
“We live in a great community and are honored to be a part of its growth and perseverance. It was refreshing to watch people drop whatever they were doing and lend a helping hand. Portsmouth Rocks!”
