Narby’s, mainstay at ‘The Bridges’ in Carlton, closes after more than 50 years

Photo by Tom Rivers: Sharon Narburgh, owner of Narby’s Superette and Tackle, is shown in October 2020 for a news article about how local fishing-related businesses adapted during the Covid pandemic.  Narburgh said Narby’s was busy during Covid. “We’re getting more people who were stuck at home and haven’t fished for years,” she said then. “They want to be out of the house.”

CARLTON – Narby’s Superette & Tackle, a mainstay for more than a half century in Carlton, is now closed.

Sharon Narburgh, Narby’s owner, made the announcement on Facebook on Tuesday. For 58 years she was dedicated to Narby’s, which was a gas station with groceries and a tackle shop at 1292 Oak Orchard Rd.

“Your loyalty and support have meant the world to me and I am truly humbled by the relationships we have built over the years,” Narburgh stated. “Although Narby’s Superette & Tackle may be closed, the memories and friendships forged within its walls will always remain cherished.”

Narburgh said she is closing due to unforeseen circumstances and for the good of her well-being.

“Thank you once again for your kindness, your loyalty, and your friendship,” she said. “You have made this journey unforgettable and I am forever grateful.”

Narburgh was one of the Point Breeze area’s biggest proponents for many years. She was instrumental in promoting the local fishing industry and often urged the community to see even more potential for the area.

She tried to get a covered wooden bridge at “The Bridges” to replace one of the spans that was taken out about a decade ago.

She was honored by the Orleans County Legislature in October 2010 after she retired from a volunteer role of running a fishing hotline. Every day for nearly 30 years she listened to the fishing stories from her customers and local charter boat captains, and managed to compile their observations in a fishing report that became a go-to for local and out-of-town anglers.

County legislators praised her “for providing a long and familiar voice” and for her dedication to the fishing and tourism industries in the county.

Narburgh and her late husband Bill were the first business to sell fishing licenses in the state. Before, only municipalities sold the licenses. The Narburghs became active in promoting the industry, attending many sportsfishing trade shows on behalf of Orleans County, promoting Lake Ontario and the tributary fishing.

The Albion Rotary Club in 2016 honored Sharon Narburgh as a Paul Harris Fellow, the club’s highest award. She is shown with Dick Pilon, left, and Bill Downey of the Rotary Club.

Narburgh was recognized by the Albion Rotary Club for her long-time commitment to the club’s fishing derby. Narburgh sold more than half of the tickets for the fishing derby, which was last held in 2019.

Narburgh also was a key leader in the 2013 community effort when Point Breeze was named “The Ultimate Fishing Town” by the World Fishing Network.