Century-old family business in Morristown folding

Century-old family business in Morristown folding

By JILL MCNEAL
6 News Anchor/Reporter

MORRISTOWN (WATE) -- After a century of ups and downs, a Main Street Morristown landmark is falling victim to the economy. 

The business was founded in 1908 by Lynn Sheeley as Lynn Sheeley Music Company. He passed it down to his son-in-law and it became Carlisle Music in 1977.

"Business was very good," says former owner Tom Carlisle.

The 94-year-old hoped this day would never come. "I certainly didn't think my family would be the one to close it. I hate it."

His daughter, Carole Jones, store manager for 30 years, says sales have been slumping the last 18 months. 

"I think it's been a combination of Internet sales and the larger chains,' Jones says.

In her Grandfather's day, she remembers the store for its large record collection.

"For Christmas and birthday presents, we always got the records that didn't sell so I had the world's largest collection of bagpipe albums," Jones says.

During her father's era, the store was popular for pianos.

"We had four floors packed full," Carlisle says.

Most recently, the store was known for its sheet music inventory, which is quickly dwindling in the clearance sale.

For the time being, students continue their lessons upstairs, but the end is coming soon and everyone can feel it.

"I'm going to start crying here, to know that you've been a part of helping someone have that love of music," Jones says.

"A heartfelt thank you to all the wonderful friends we've made through the years," Carlisle says.

The family is planning a closing celebration for the final day in business.

They invite all their current and former customers to come and say goodbye on Saturday, May 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at 109 East Main Street in Morristown.