The Peru Gazette

Elaine loved working with husband Harry who built the shop

Elaine Duprey

By John T. Ryan 

Peru – Elaine Duprey formally retired on May 30th, but on September 1st she embarked on a new career.  She said, “I call it switching gears.” Elaine Duprey has opened a quilt shop called The Oak Tree Shop at 707 Telegraph Road, conveniently located just around the corner from Rulfs Orchard.  Why a quilt shop? Elaine explained, “I’ve really love sewing. It’s a creative endeavor. I just want to offer it to others.” 

Opening The Oak Tree Shop has been a family endeavor. Elaine’s husband Harry constructed the very attractive 24 ft. x 44 ft. building over a 1 1/2 year period. Elaine said, “We’ve been in the process of this for a long time. I finally had to retire so I could open my shop.” The building is located just a few yards behind Elaine and Harry’s home.  Given its attractive exterior, beautiful flooring and spacious interior, the building has evoked a very positive response from Duprey’s first customers. 

The main room has plenty of space to stock quilting material from quality companies such as Motta, Andover and Henry Glass. Elaine commented, “When women are quilting they look for quality material. It really does make a difference in the finished product.” Along with material, Duprey stocks all the other supplies a quilter needs.

Duprey thinks people enjoy quilting for several reasons. She said, “I find quilting very relaxing. You can be creative and then you get the enjoyment of that finished product.” Quilting can also be a social, friend-building activity. Elaine said, “I just became a member of of the quilter’s guild.” Guilds meet regularly, learn from each other and enjoy each others company. Guilds also reach out to the community for projects.

Attracting young people into quilting is one of Elaine’s goals. She said, “I’d like to engage our younger generation. I want younger women and kids to do this. I need to reach out to get that going.”  Duprey herself started sewing with the 4H at age 10. When her daughters were growing up she loved making them outfits. She started quilting about 25 years ago. 

The Oak Tree Shop at 707 Telegraph Rd. is open Tuesday through Friday 10-6 and Saturdays 10-4. Call 518-645-0780 for information.