Suki of Tinker Toys
Juliet: What brought you to Woodstock?
Suki Beeh: My mother. She was in Woodstock by herself and I did not want her to be alone. I was living in Florida. I graduated from Ringling School of Art and Design, and I was making a living with my art. I moved back here and brought one of my pieces to the Woodstock Artist Association, and got rejected. So I said “What am I going to do now? How can make a living here?” There was an ad in the paper to work at Tinker Toys. I worked here for several years. Bruce left and I became partners with Christina. Eventually Christina wanted to raise a family so I became sole owner in 1990, leading the store closer to my aesthetics and European background.
Juliet: What is your first memory of Woodstock?
Suki: I grew up here. I was born in Manhattan, as my mother wanted to get dual citizenship. We went back to Europe and then in 1961 I turned five on the boat to America. We came straight here to Woodstock where my mom bought a house. Driving up to see the new house, there was a bear with three cubs on the road. I went to Woodstock school - they put me in a special speech therapy class because I only spoke French. Woodstock was a great small town artist community at that point. Everyone knew each other. I rode our donkeys and horses all over the mountains here - I know all the trails - and swimming areas … the wildlife … the village. Kirschbaum’s bakery and Deanie’s were my favorites. It was a great village to grow up in. When we moved here it was mostly artists, and then musicians were more prevalent, and now tourism. It’s an evolving town.
Juliet: Why did your mom pick Woodstock?
Suki: My mother is Swiss and was the first in the family to move to America. While living in Manhattan was great for the culture and things to do, she wanted to raise us in the country. She searched many towns and drove through Woodstock. Here she heard a variety of languages being spoken, and there was an opera company with singers from the Metropolitan company coming here to perform at Byrdcliffe Theater. This town seemed educated, open, accepting, and interesting. She knew it wasn’t just another small town.
Juliet: Is she an artist?
Suki: She was the only one who wasn’t an artist, she wishes she were an artist! (laughs) We go back many generations of artists.
Juliet: What is your favorite thing about being here?
Suki: I am able to do what I love. The fun of operating a toy shop of course, being able to meet many different people, hear all the languages, watching kids grow up… Enjoying our shops and shop keepers, fabulous restaurants. The town is honest and respectful, and does so much for the aging. My mom is 87 now and the rescue squad has been up to the house - they are so kind and patient. I love our community here. I love this small town
Tinker Toys 5 Mill Hill Road Woodstock, NY 12498