Mansfield couple opens "Georgetown Point Gifts," a shop dedicated to the history and artifacts of Native American tribes in the Southwest.
By: William Wichert
MANSFIELD David and Linda Stout are the type of people who finish each other’s sentences, especially when they’re talking about their trips across the Southwestern frontier.
"Traveling out there together…" said Ms. Stout.
"…falling in love with the people…" continued Mr. Stout.
"…that’s what bit us," his wife finished.
From watching meteor showers decorate the New Mexico sky to holding their breath before a skunk at a campsite in Texas, their tales of traveling out west are as much a part of their own love story as they are the inspiration for their latest excursion into the unknown: starting their own business.
Last September, after nearly a year spent struggling to get all the necessary local permits, the Stouts transformed the garage of their Georgetown Road home into "Georgetown Point Gifts," a shop dedicated to the history and artifacts of Native American tribes in the Southwest.
"We love it out there, so we wanted to bring a taste of it back here," said Ms. Stout.
The couple expanded the daily operating hours of their store last month, but the seeds for this endeavor were laid about 10 years ago, when they were set up by Mr. Stout’s sister on a blind date.
Both of them were just coming out of previous marriages, but they soon realized their common affection for traveling, and rediscovering the American West.
They started making yearly trips across the country and building up their collection of Southwestern art in their own home. Bronze sculptures and Native American arrows were placed on the walls of their computer room, while antique pistols and ceremonial dolls were displayed with the love of a museum curator inside their bedroom.
About three years ago, however, they decided to start a new collection and put it up for sale to the public. They made appearances at various craft shows, including a stint at the Cranberry Fest in Bordentown City.
But after they visited The Silver Buffalo Gallery, a Southwestern shop in Berlin, Mass. that has been run by another couple for over 16 years, the Stouts said to themselves, we can do this.
"We realized life was so short," said Ms. Stout. "You’ve got to grab life and do what you can do."
The atmosphere at "Georgetown Point Gifts" now looks very much like the rooms in their home upstairs, except with the addition of a cash register and some shelves.
Running from glass case to glass case, as the sounds of Native American music emanate from a nearby stereo, the Stouts cannot conceal their excitement for the items they have collected and want to share with their fellow residents.
The comments would usually begin with "Here is … " or "And then there’s …" while the couple regales their customers with stories of the people they have met and artwork they have encountered in their exploration of the reservations of the Navajo, Zuni, and Hopi tribes in the "four corners" area of Utah, Colorado, Arizona, and New Mexico.
The coloring books, T-shirts, and steak sauces can be found in the back of the store, but customers entering the business should first set their eyes on the jewelry, hand-carved stones and authentic Native American baskets made by members of the three tribes.
Other items in the store are more tied to various tribal traditions. There are sand paintings, which Native Americans used to attract ancient spirits, as well as the "possession sticks" that they would place on their belongings after leaving the community.
"Even warring tribes would respect that," said Mr. Stout. "Today, put stuff on a porch with a stick on it, you’ll lose your stuff and the stick."
Aside from selling products, the Stouts said they hope to show their customers the distinct differences in the living conditions of residents in Burlington County and Native Americans in the Southwest, where many live in trailers on barren, desert lands without running water.
"I would assume that they take water as a precious commodity. We take it for granted," said Ms. Stout. "We want to educate the people on the East Coast about how they (Native Americans) live."
Mr. Stout said the Native American lifestyle can be found in each of the crafts available in the store, demonstrating the tribes’ attention to detail and humble relationship with nature.
"They only make as they need. It’s the same as they live. They use everything they have," he said. "When you see how they live, they’re a modest people."
His wife added, "We (Americans) always get more stuff. They’re content with the stuff they have," said Ms. Stout.
The Native Americans’ connection to their own spirituality is embedded in the sand paintings at the store. Although these paintings represent authentic scenes depicting tribal life, the Native Americans will make intentional mistakes in them because they are not being used in a tribal ceremony, said Mr. Stout.
"They’ll bring the spirits out and help them bring balance to their lives," he said. "What the young people want to do is express their customs without betraying their spirits."
The only question is whether or not the Stouts can get their customers to appreciate this unfamiliar culture.
One woman came into the store and immediately dismissed the products as "Indian stuff," but the Stouts said they have received positive feedback from the majority of customers, including a woman from the Fort Dix Army base who is a member of a Native American group on the base.
"When we have people like that come in, that makes us feel better, knowing we’re doing the right thing," said Mr. Stout.
Georgetown Point Gifts is located at 186-B Georgetown Road in Mansfield Township, near the intersection of Georgetown Road and Route 545. The store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week, and until 8 p.m. on Thursdays. The phone number is (609) 298-9249, and the store’s Web site is www.GeorgetownPointGifts.com.