Article: Highway signage gets traffic into gift shop: ; Major life change led retailer to take a chance with expanding her market and a punchier store name

HURRICANE - Among the blue signs pointing travelers to the fast- food restaurants, gas stations, a motel and attractions at the Hurricane exit of Interstate 64 is a colorful and eye-catching sign that has nothing to do with filling up.

The orange-colored sign points visitors to Pumpkin House Primitives, and it represents a big step for a Putnam County businesswoman whose last year has been marked with major life changes.

Patty Hager and her husband had operated Whispering Wisteria Home, which sold country and primitive-styled gift items along with furniture they made and painted, since 1994 in space connected to their home right off W.Va. 34.

When James Hager died of cancer in July 2006, ...

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