After 46 years of business, memories and long-time customers, the Print Shop at 639 Broadway Suite 1B, owned and operated by Roberta and Erve Hamilton, closes its doors on Friday, December 1.

The Print Shop first opened its doors on April 1, 1977 and has undergone several changes and moves during its lifetime. For the majority of 32 years, the business operated out of 623 Broadway. A fire at the first location of the business had forced the couple to start the business again from scratch. Roberta also worked for several printing businesses before entering on her own and having her own setup.

The business specialized in printing a variety of products from tickets, letterheads, envelopes, program booklets, flyers, posters, raffle tickets and more, all printed and managed by the couple. Clients range from local businesses to religious groups in the Newburgh area.

“I’ve always said, you know, the little work brings in bigger work,” said Erve. “We wouldn’t have been printing for all these organizations if we weren’t doing the smaller jobs, and throwing them [businesses] free work here and there along the way,”

The Print Shop moved into 639 Broadway after the building that had the 623 Broadway space came under new ownership. The move itself proved to be difficult with moving heavy equipment and being out of the building by a certain time.

For the Hamilitons, the decision to finally close was not an easy one to make. Costs of rent, costs of paper and addressing health issues all factored into the final decision for the couple. For the couple, plans for the future are still being determined but both look forward to what is ahead.

“We’ll just wait until we actually give the keys away to the building and then the next morning, we’ll sit there and say, “What do we do now,” said Roberta. “Newburgh’s been good to us.”

Speaking about the customers they have had over years and even being a part of special moments such as birthday parties and bat mitzvahs was met with several tears and emotions held back by the Hamiltons.

One of the many highlights that Erve remembered from working in the shop were the couple’s four springer spaniels who would be at the shop and became a constant attraction for those who came in. One memory that came to mind for Roberta was when printed invitations were made for a baby and now, wedding invitations needed to be made as that child was getting married.

The couple are very thankful for the many memories made and the many customers over the years. “We’ve got customers that we’ve had for decades and they’ve always stayed with us. We appreciate them staying with us,” said Erve. “Wish we could go further.”

Roberta and Erve, both longtime residents of the Newburgh area, were high school sweethearts and graduates of Newburgh Free Academy. The couple married on June 30, 1972. The couple continue to reside in the area and are also the proud parents of a son and proud grandparents of a granddaughter.