Spag's owners to give up sweet life

Source: Detroit News
HOWELL - For seven years, Kathy Alward and Melia Hougaboom have faithfully satisfied thousands of sweet tooths at Spag's Specialties.

But the specialty store will serve up its last scoop of ice cream and dole out its last taste of chocolate May 6.

Changing schedules and changing lives were the reasons given for the closure of what has become a Howell landmark.

"Seven years ago we had dreams of a successful business downtown that would allow us to stay involved with our children," Alward said. "Spag's fit the bill. Our husbands worked out of the house and were available whenever they were needed. Times have changed. Our children have grown and have their own jobs and interests. Our husbands' jobs have also changed, requiring travel. For ourselves, it is also time for a change."

The shop has become a staple for those visiting the area during the Howell Melonfest -- due in large part to the original owner of the shop, Frank Spagnuolo.

In 1960, Spagnuolo, who died several years ago, won the prize for the best dairy product at the Michigan State Fair for his melon ice cream.

The recipe is a closely guarded secret. It's sole flavoring is the Howell melon -- a temperamental fruit with a skin too thin for shipment to other markets.

Hougaboom and Alward continued the tradition of the subtle, award-winning ice cream when they bought the shop. Mixing individual batches by hand, the women would taste-test each three-gallon batch to make sure it was right.

It's a tradition Howell officials hope can continue.

"It's an institution downtown," said Camille Lievense, director of the city's Downtown Development Authority. "Now it's up for lease. Maybe a new tenant would keep it as it is. And that's what I'd like to see."

Alward and Hougaboom said they'll have plenty of goods ready for Easter. This time of year is nearly as busy as the summer season, they said.

As far as plans go, they're both looking toward the short-term, for now.

"Our first priority is graduation," Alward said. "We both have daughters graduating."

What's next
Clearance sales at Spag's Specialties begin April 30 and run until May 5. An auction for the fixtures, displays and collectibles will be held in May. Call (810) 227-1016 for information.
Source: Detroit News