Back in the Day

They say 60 is the new 40. Don’t they? Our little stone building was built in 1956 and looks even better today than in its early years.

According to Bill Hastings — local historian, visionary, owner of the Paoli Cheese Cottage, and unofficial mayor of Paoli — the Paoli Mills scale house was built of stone left over from the construction of the Fetherston's residence in Verona. The next time you’re near Miller’s grocery store in Verona, drive about a block west on Church Avenue and see our close relative at 202 Church Avenue.

Paoli Cheese Cottage

If you’ve visited Paoli any time in the last 35 years, you probably think of our building as the Paoli Cheese Cottage. We still do, too! We even sell fresh cheese curds to carry on the tradition.

Our building was built in the 1950s and its early years were spent as a scale house for the Paoli Mills operation. Trucks would pull up to be weighed before and after delivering grain. Times changed, the mill business faded away and the property fell into disrepair. Really, just about the whole town was in sad shape.

It’s safe to say that Paoli was saved from being a footnote in history by the efforts of one man— Bill Hastings. Bill led the rebirth of Paoli as the town evolved into an artist community and shopping destination. He and Denise Metzger opened Paoli Cheese in the 1980s and it became the area’s premier cheese purveyor and a favorite of cyclists, travelers, and locals. Bill continues to be the major player in Paoli’s renaissance.

The Paoli Cheese Cottage. Open for business then.

The Paoli Road Mercantile Era

From our sneak peek opening on May 6, 2017 to today, Paoli Road Mercantile has been a gallery and shop where you can find something that you didn’t know you couldn’t live without. Jewelry, art, local goods, and delicious treats are in store for you during your next visit to Paoli. Grab a bag of curds for your walk around town!

We look forward to making a new tradition with you.

Paoli Road Mercantile during our soft opening — May 6, 2017.

Paoli Road Mercantile during our soft opening — May 6, 2017.

Paoli Road Mercantile on Instagram and Twitter

What a great day to come hang out in Paoli! #paoliroadmercantile #paoliwi
It’s a rainy day in Paoli but we are here and trying to work on new pieces some custom work. Open Friday until 5pm, Sat 10-5, and Sun 11-4. #paoliroadmercantile #paoliroadmetalsmiths #artisianjewelry #discoverpaoli #paoliwi
Thrilled to welcome Milwaukee potter, Patricia Blauvelt to PRM! Stop in and see all of her beautiful earthenware. #paoliroadmercantile #patriciablauvelt #pottery #discoverpaoli #paoliwi
This is the sign I want to hang on my door. I’ll probably opt for the kinder less aggressive one ... #paoliroadmercantile #wearamask #paoliwi
I’m obsessed with handcrafted cups these days. Perfect for bourbon, whiskey, wine, or anything really!!! These beauties are made by PRM artist Taran CordonHill. Open today until 5, Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 11-4. #paoliroadmercantile #support
Hello Friday! It’s a beautiful afternoon and you probably need a new pair of earrings for the weekend! Lots of new goodies from Hannah of hrsdesigns (and my studio mate). Stop on in - we’d love to see you!! Friday until 6pm, Sat 10-5 an
Father’s Day will be here before you know it. Amazing steel pieces from Arbor Trace Forge and cutting boards from The Wood Cycle. #paoliroadmercantile #supportartists #shoplocal #visitpaoli @discover.paoli #paoliwi
Hello! It’s a beautiful day to come and check out our new location Paoli. It’s easy to social distance here! Just a few photos of some of the work by independent artists and makers. #paoliroadmercantile #paoliwi #supportartists #shoplo