The Stationers Guild

It is with deep regret that I learned that Village Stationery of Omaha, Nebraska is closing its doors after some 35 years at the same location in Countryside Village near 87th and Pacific Streets.   Louise Rasmussen, a former teacher who bought the shop with her husband, Wayne, five years ago, claims that the Internet and a depressed economy have caused sales to plummet.  Louise is quoted in the article as saying “people are doing it all online.” She views the handwritten note as a tangible piece of history that  is rapidly disappearing from our society.

Stationery employee Judith Brodnicki is quoted as saying that “handwriting, in and of itself, is a technical skill, the foundation of literacy.  But it’s also become a way to make something incredibly personal. It’s unlike a phone call. A letter pretty much sits there and waits for you.”

Annabelle Stefanski, co-president of the Invitation & Stationery Alliance and who is quoted in the Omaha World-Hearld article agrees with Judith, but believes ”people are now cautiously optimistic, and things (for the industry) are certainly looking much better.”

As a stationer, I lament the closing of any stationery store, particularly one that has been so closely integrated into their community.  One needs only to look back over the number birthday parties, weddings and birth announcements, retirement parties, anniversaries and sympathy acknowledgements that have passed through Village Stationery.   When a store with rich community links and memories disappears from the town landscape we are much the poorer as a society.   Village Stationery – you will be missed.  I join other stationers in wishing the Rasmussen family well and I do hope that Village Stationery’s employees find meaningful jobs.

Richard W. May
Founding Member Stationers Guild.