The Gum Store

- 259 Paterson Ave Apt 109, Wallington, NJ 07057

The Gum Store: Wallington, NJ's Vibrant Center Where History Meets Creativity

Introduction / Overview

For residents of **New Jersey**, particularly those in the **Wallington** area, **The Gum Store** represents a fascinating intersection of local history and modern community engagement. While the name initially suggests a traditional retail establishment, the current identity of **The Gum Store** is deeply rooted in its location’s past as the "C.A. Gum Department Store" (a historic general store that thrived until the early 1980s). Today, the location has been reinvented as **Gum Store Studios**, a creative hub that uses the beloved historical name to foster art, community, and fun.

This **Small business** is officially classified as a "**Candy store**," a playful nod to its roots and the simple joys it aims to provide, but its offerings extend far beyond traditional sweets. The focus is on creative opportunities and mind/body experiences, all centered around the mantra: "In fun we trust!" It is designated as an ideal spot for a "**Quick visit**," whether you're popping in for a moment of inspiration, checking out local artwork, or participating in a spontaneous event. For the **New Jersey** community, **The Gum Store** serves as a refreshing, imaginative gathering space that promotes artistic expression and local connection.

Location and Accessibility

**The Gum Store** is a central and easily accessible venue in the Bergen County area of **New Jersey**. Its physical address places it squarely within the heart of **Wallington**, providing a convenient focal point for local residents:

259 Paterson Ave Apt 109, Wallington, NJ 07057, USA

The location on **Paterson Avenue** ensures good visibility and ease of access. While the business profile suggests that patrons can achieve a "**Quick visit**," the area is also noted for its commitment to providing an immersive experience. Furthermore, the property is uniquely situated in a "creek-side setting," suggesting a serene and inspiring backdrop for the studio's creative activities. This fusion of accessibility and natural tranquility makes it a destination worth seeking out for any **New Jersey** resident interested in community and the arts.

Services Offered

As **Gum Store Studios**, this location offers an engaging and diverse palette of services and programs that cater to the creative and communal spirit of the **Wallington, NJ** area. These services are deliberately designed to be accessible to a broad public, reflecting the original general store's function as a neighborhood center:

• **Artist-Led Workshops:** Structured programs designed to unleash creativity through various art forms.
• **Mind and Body Experiences:** Activities focused on holistic well-being to "unleash your soul."
• **Exterior Murals and Gardens:** Providing aesthetically pleasing public spaces for relaxation and inspiration.
• **Community Events and Gatherings:** Hosting dynamic public activities such as **Concerts**, **Movie Nights**, **Poetry Readings**, and **Dance Parties**.
• **Artist in Residence Program:** Offering an enriching, immersive experience in the creek-side setting for writers and artists seeking to complete projects or collaborate.
• **Historical Homage and Art Garden:** Planning to commemorate the site of the former Bethune Graded School, paying tribute to the rich local history, including the legacy of Katherine Coleman Johnson.

In essence, the services offered here revolve around community building, artistic expression, and honoring the deep cultural roots of **Wallington**.

Features / Highlights

**The Gum Store** is highlighted by its unique blend of heritage and contemporary artistic purpose, making it a distinctive destination in Northern **New Jersey**:

• **Historic Legacy:** The venue operates under the name of the original **C.A. Gum Department Store**, a neighborhood general store that was a local staple from 1930 to the early 1980s. This history is explored and celebrated in the current space.
• **Creative Community Hub:** Functions as **Gum Store Studios**, actively cultivating a space where individuals can "build lasting friendships, find inspiration, and foster a sense of ARTIST IN RESIDENCE."
• **Diverse Public Programming:** Goes beyond typical retail or studio offerings by hosting a variety of "random acts" like film screenings, musical performances, and literary events.
• **Architectural and Natural Setting:** The premises benefit from a beautiful **creek-side setting** and feature engaging **exterior murals**, enhancing the environment for both artists and visitors.
• **Commitment to Education:** A planned **historical marker and art garden** will honor the site of the former Bethune Graded School, linking the location to the significant history of education for African Americans in the region.
• **Core Mantra:** The driving philosophy, "In fun we trust!," ensures that all activities and programs prioritize enjoyment, discovery, and positive community interaction.

Contact Information

To learn more about upcoming workshops, events, the Artist in Residence program, or simply to visit **The Gum Store / Gum Store Studios**, **New Jersey** residents can use the following information:

**Address:** 259 Paterson Ave Apt 109, Wallington, NJ 07057, USA

**Phone:** (212) 241-1528

The provided contact number is the best way to reach the **Small business** directly with inquiries about their creative offerings and scheduled events, ensuring a personal connection with this unique local venture.

What is Worth Choosing

**The Gum Store** is an exceptional choice for any **New Jersey** resident looking for more than a standard retail experience; it is a gateway to local culture, history, and creativity. You should choose this destination because it successfully revitalizes a historic name with a profoundly modern and community-focused mission.

While the business type is playfully listed as "**Candy store**" and suitable for a "**Quick visit**," the real value is in the diverse, inspiring programming offered by **Gum Store Studios**. The opportunity to participate in hands-on **artist-led workshops**, attend free **movie nights** or **poetry readings**, and simply relax in a serene, creek-side setting sets it apart from typical commercial venues in the **Wallington** area. The deep commitment to honoring the past, including the planned tribute to the Bethune Graded School, gives the place a meaningful sense of heritage and purpose.

Ultimately, **The Gum Store** is the perfect local spot for anyone seeking a burst of creative energy, a fun community event, or simply a dose of inspiration in **Bergen County**. It embodies the spirit of a supportive **Small business** dedicated to enriching the lives of local **New Jersey** users through the power of art and community engagement, always prioritizing fun and imaginative acts.

The Gum Store

259 Paterson Ave Apt 109, Wallington, NJ 07057, USA