Flood damage minimal at Pickle Barrel which plans to reopen soon

He points to the yard where the shop is famous for its huge variety of yard art and said most of that is missing.  Most likely strewn throughout the creek all the way to Wheatfields" ”

Jim Moss, owner of the Pickle Barrel Trading Post at the north end of Broad Street, counted himself fortunate compared to others. The floodwaters surged around both sides of the building, leaving behind heavy mud but only seeping inside “in a few places,” he said.

Behind the store, however, the losses were clear. Moss pointed to the wide stretch of ground where yard art is usually displayed. The Pickle Barrel is known for its vast assortment of whimsical and oversized pieces, but now the space stands empty. The only survivor is a towering eight-foot horse, still anchored firmly in the dirt.

“The rest is probably scattered all through the creek,” Moss said, “maybe all the way down to Wheatfields.”

There was one small bright spot. Word came that the Globe Historic Train Depot had recovered one of the Trading Post’s signature rock ants and is holding it for him.

Moss said he hopes to be open in the next couple of days.