SACO — A photography exhibit now on display at the Saco Museum documents the Way Way Store in a period of decline, while the store was closed before it was resurrected last year by a local historian.

The Way Way Store, so named because it’s way, way out of downtown at 93 Buxton Road, was opened in the 1920s by Eugene Cousens. It was a general store, hardware store and gas station, and later was known for its penny candy before it closed in 2003.

Kennebunk artist Anne Lemieux, while pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree at Heartwood Collegeof Art, focused on the store for a photography project reflecting her mother’s youth. She chose the Way Way Store because her mother lived near the store in its early days, she said.

Lemieux said she had taken her own daughter to the store before it closed, and was always attracted to the building and its uniqueness, with its distinguishable stone-covered columns and the red and white design in handcast cement blocks.

She worked on the photography project from September to December of 2010, and it began to morph into something different as she started to take abstract photos of the building. Photographing at different times of day and during different seasons, Lemieux began to find beauty in the colors and textures, she said, such as the green glow cast by an old light, paint chipping away, a branch through an opening and mineral deposits on the bricks of an outhouse that has since been demolished.

Lemieux said she wanted to show the exhibit of 26 photos at the Saco Museum, because the store is a local landmark.

“The Beauty of Decline: Photographs of the Way Way Store” will be on view at the museum until Sept. 9.

Since her project, the store has been renovated and reopened. In 2011, local historian and retired history teacher Peter Scontras and his wife, Bridget, refurbished the store and are now managing it through a lease agreement. Although there are a few modern touches, such as air-conditioning, and Peter Scontras said they are considering Wi-Fi, the store has retained its signature look and offers the penny candy that everyone remembers.

Lemieux, who said she likes local history, said it’s wonderful the store has been reopened and it is again “that happy place” that people remember.

Antiques are on display inside, a swing set has been added outside, and a sign telling people the store is on the National Registry of Historic Places has become a favorite photo op for visitors, said Scontras.

In addition to candy, he is selling other items, including ice cream and used canoes.

Scontras said they are growing a garden and will sell vegetables this summer, as well as pumpkins in the fall. He said he is thinking about selling local eggs at the store and would also like to partner with vegetable growers to sell excess crop, with a portion of the proceeds going to the local food pantry.

The Way Way Store Facebook page has more than 7,000 fans.

Scontras said he and Bridget have met many people, and it’s heartwarming to get a Facebook fan all the way from Europe.

“It’s been a joy ride,” said Scontras.

Many people have a sense of nostalgia for the store, and are now bringing children or grandchildren to visit.

“People are coming home to the Way Way Store,” said Scontras.

The Scontras are also now renting the store out as a party or social venue. Scontras said last year, they noticed neighbors would bring their children up and meet up for a “spontaneous event.”

The Way Way Store is open seven days a week through Labor Day from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.