Mark’s Primitives in Mars Hill
offers one-of-a-kind creations
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
MARS HILL — Mark’s Primitive Store, located at 53A Main Street, was the site of a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce.
Staff photo/Kathy McCarty
A RIBBON-CUTTING CEREMONY, hosted by the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, was held at Mark’s Primitives in Mars Hill on Friday. Taking part in the event were, from left: Mars Hill Town Councilors Frank “Sam” Mahan and Nick McCrum; owners Joy and Mark Hewitt; Town Councilor Travis Kearney; Mars Hill Town Manager Dave Cyr; CACC Executive Director Theresa Fowler; and CACC members Gail Clukey, Nola Farley and Nancy Fletcher.
The store, open since May 5, offers one-of-a-kind wood creations, made by owner Mark Hewitt.
“I’ve been doing these creations for 10 years. It was my daughters’ idea to get me into a store,” said Hewitt. “I make all the wood items myself.”
From birdhouses and cabinets, to benches and book shelves, nearly every inch of the business features Hewitt’s rustic designs, giving the store a country charm fitting an Aroostook County establishment. From birthday to wedding gifts, Christmas to anniversaries, Mark’s has a gift for any need.
Hewitt, who’s a carpenter by trade, devotes several hours to each piece.
“It takes me about 10 hours to make a cabinet, for example. Folks can purchase something from the store or can place an order. I can custom make cabinets, countertops, etc.,” he said.
Hewitt credits his wife, Joy, with the layout of merchandise and buying accessories.
“Joy orders all the trinkets. She’s in charge of displaying items in the store and does a marvelous job at it,” said Hewitt.
Like many his age, Hewitt credited a parent for teaching him such a valuable skill.
“Dad was a carpenter. When I was a kid, there were no babysitters, so I began by lugging shingles for him when I was 6. He taught me skills I’ve used as both a hobby and a profession. It’s something I love to do and now I’m sharing it with others,” said Hewitt.
One can also find a selection of candles, plaques, fixtures and potpourri, among other gift ideas.
“Some of the merchandise in the store came from another primitive shop in the Houlton area that went out of business. She was located way out in the country, which made it difficult to run a business. I won’t have that problem, since I’m located in the center of town, right on Main Street,” said Hewitt.
Business hours are Tuesdays and , 4-8 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“Since my full-time profession is carpentry, I set my work hours accordingly,” said Hewitt.
For more information, call 768-0023 or look for Mark’s Primitive Store on Facebook.
