Bradford Era – by Savannah Barr

For 50 years, the Pink Elephant Resale Shop at 420 W. Main St. has been a Smethport staple.

The volunteer-run institution has been busy this year — serving, adapting to change and giving back.

The resale shop has been a familiar stop for generations of people looking for affordable finds, and for locals to pass along items they no longer need. The community has donated everything on the shelves, and every dollar made goes back into the local economy.

“We get a lot of people who make all their donations here,” said volunteer Phyllis Faes, who has served at the Pink Elephant for the last 13 years. “Everything we have is donated and we sell it at a very reasonable price.”

The shop had such a good year that the staff decided to give back, donating $150 each to Hamlin Memorial Library, McKean County Historical Society, Smethport Fire Department and Christian Community Service, all in the borough.

The store is staffed entirely by volunteers, with three main workers and additional, as-needed weekend help. Over the years, the shop has expanded significantly. More