POMEROY — A Pomeroy business that was owned and operated by Nease family members for over a half century has been sold.

The Fabric Shop on West Main Street operated for the past 20 years by Becky Nease Anderson has been sold to Kathy Reed and Karen Walker, retired teachers, and to Cathy Cooper, a current employee. The new owners announced that they will continue the operation much as it has been in the past, while gradually expanding some of the current merchandising and services.

More emphasis will be placed on teaching sewing skills with additional classes being offered in basic sewing skills, beginning and advanced quilting, and other stitchery skills such as embroidery. The new owners said they plan to add another quilting machine since that is a growing business, and also plan to add a line of quality sewing machines. Materials, patterns and notions will be expanded as the need occurs.

The other services, like alternations, dry cleaning and tuxedo rental will continue to be provided by The Fabric Shop.

Ada Nease and her mother, Amber Warner, opened the store in 1959 in the old Crow Building on Main Street, then moved to a Second Street building operating there until 1989 when the store was moved to its current location on West Main Street. Ada’s husband, Arthur, worked for many years in the business repairing sewing machines and sharpening scissors.