An icon of Newton is open once again.
Ford’s Ice Cream parlor in the Ford’s creamery building has been reopened thanks to the efforts of Mike and Sharon Harris. It’s a project that’s been seven years in the making, when the family bought the 1930s era building and began restoring it.
They first opened the Church Street Market and the East Mississippi Auction house in the back side of the building. About nine months ago, however, they started trying to clean up the front of the building when they noticed that a lot of the original ceilings above drop ceilings.
“We tried the best we could to restore it to what it looked like before,” Mike Harris said. “When we started trying to clean up this part, we noticed the ceilings, and they were in pretty good condition. We just started from there and tried to see if we could bring it back.”
Many residents in the area couldn’t remember the last time the Ford’s Ice Cream shop was open.The Harris couple said the response has been very positive from the community.
“We’ve had a great response from the community,” Harris said. “We appreciate everyone’s support, and we want to keep it open as much as possible.”
Right now, the shop is only open on Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It’s only open when the market is open.
Currently, it will remain closed during the auctions on the first and third Saturdays, as a concessions stand is open during the auctions.
It also remained closed during the hours of the Chill Thrill, which finished up its season on Halloween. It was the third year for the haunted house.
Ford’s Ice Cream Parlor can be found at 812 E. Church St. in Newton.
