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This store has all products bee-related and is a little time capsule of Watertown history that you must check out.
The Hive @ the Pin, located on 20 Main St, Oakville, carries all honey and bee-related products. From honey itself to beeswax, skincare products, oils, spices, and wool, dog treats, chocolates, and other items from local businesses in town.
Catherine Wolko, the owner of The Hive @ the Pin and Humble Bee Company, prides herself in supporting and selling products from local businesses. Even the antiques found in the store have been fabricated in Watertown or in Connecticut.
Wolko is a full-time beekeeper who followed in the footsteps of her father, because of that she wanted to honor him by recreating the space they shared. Wolko said, “When you walk into the store you see this recreation of my dad’s old garden shed, so it’s as if you’re standing inside the shed. That’s the original door, window, and shelf. I brought some Watertown history here which is the tractor hood and pitchfork. There is a Watertown Monopoly board and Naugatuck Monopoly board; which were donated.”
Inside Wolko’s store, you can find a little Watertown museum. Since her store is located in the old pin factory, which is where the name came from, many of her customers bring items to her store to be displayed. These include the pins that were made for World War I and II.
Wolko opened her store about two years ago, right before COVID-19 hit. Wolko said, “My space is a farm store and has a honey kitchen where I can pour, bottle, label, and extract all my honey. I also have bees here, so I have a hive that lives here and that's where the name comes from.”
Besides operating her store and farm, Wolko proudly supports police officers, firefighters, and veterans. Wolko said, “Giving back is important, all throughout the year I donate to the local police department. They get fruits and vegetables out of my garden, honey all year long, and during Christmas time, we bring them breakfast and lunch. The fire department gets breakfast and lunch, and honey. I always donate to the veterans. It’s because my dad gave back that I continue to do so.”
Whether you are in need of bee-related products or want to learn more about Watertown history, The Hive @ the Pin will not disappoint.
Lastly, Wolko said, “I always tell people that I was raised by the trees in my backyard because I spent my childhood climbing them and hanging upside down from them.”
