High Voltage Lights Up Boyertown

by Julie Cordingley 

The anticipation of a new record store opening in downtown Boyertown had been building for months. So, when the official ribbon cutting for High Voltage finally took place on October 3rd, not only were the new owners, Ron Morrisette and Kristin Mann, surrounded by family and friends, but also they were surrounded by a very enthusiastic, vinyl-loving crowd.  

Everyone was welcomed by Main Street Manager of Building a Better Boyertown, Ellen Martignetti, who summed up what everyone was thinking. “We are happy you’re here. Boyertown welcomes you and wishes you the best of luck. Now, just make sure to hold the scissors upright, and then a quick slice through the ribbon.” And with a perfect cut, the newest store on Philadelphia Avenue was open. 

There were a few towns under consideration  before Boyertown got the nod from Morrisette and Mann. They liked “the vibe of Boyertown because it seemed people friendly.” The storefront chosen (formerly the Book Nook; Bachman’ Music) somehow seems fitting due to its central town location and the historical Rhoads Opera House influence. There was a great deal of needed structural work for which Morrisette and Mann made every effort to include local businesses when buying supplies and/or contracting for construction labor. 

They were amused that during the months-long renovations, there were constant interruptions from townies who just happened to be walking by, wanting to chat. Luckily the new owners recognized the intrusions for what they were – Boyertown pride! 

High Voltage specializes in OG (original) and hard to find Punk, Goth, Metal and Hip Hop, and boasts that they are proud supporters of local bands and musicians. There are plenty of patrons looking for just that and they decided to check out the new venue on its opening day. The first thing noticeable, besides the bright lime green walls adorned with posters, are the people sporting band tee-shirts with familiar names such as Blondie, Iron Maiden and Led Zeppelin as well as the more obscure names (to the uninitiated!), like the Dead Kennedys, Cromags, and Madball - all walking around searching the content of the many bins of vinyl records.  

Kevin Hare of Pottstown made quick work of buying. He was impressed with the selection. “I saw more but I am trying to keep it under $200.00. I just found out my house needs a new roof!” said Hare. His friends were a bit surprised, but also secretly proud that Hare had set priorities. 

Boyertown native and vocalist of the nationally recognized hardcore group Gridiron, Matt Karll, was also happy to see the new store. He remembered shopping for music at a place called Olympia Records located in the basement right around the corner of High Voltage. “That was YEARS ago. It took long enough but I am happy that there is finally another record store. This is great.” Of course, Gridiron’s music can be found here. Karll also pointed out that the owner is an electrician. Karll knows a thing or two about this because he, too,  is an electrician. Perhaps it is the reason for naming the store High Voltage --to pay homage to the raucous punk sound as well as to Morrisette’s occupation. 

Emily Gilbert and her friend Ryan Rosenberger were taking in all the action and excitement along with greeting many of their music loving friends. Turns out, Rosenberger was instrumental at pricing the merchandise, a very daunting task considering the number of cassettes, CD’s, and of course, albums that the store has to offer. A large percentage of High Voltage’s wares came from private, personal collections that had languished in basements and/or attics but have now found new life and love to a new collector. There is a constant turn-around of merchandise and a continuous influx. It can be likened to thrift stores – only with music. 

The renewed interest in vinyl is attributed to factors such as nostalgia, the tactile experience of physical media, and the perceived superior sound quality compared to digital formats. Vinyl records began their resurgence around 2007, gaining significant popularity by 2010. This revival was marked by a steady increase in sales, reversing the trend of decline seen in the early 2000s when digital formats dominated the market. MaTone’s Music store in Collegeville (down the street from Ursinus College) has been in business for 10 years. It’s a Collegeville fixture known for its extensive vinyl collection and an owner (Adam) well versed in all genres of music. As a way to support the new adventure of his friends Ron and Kristin at High Voltage, MaTone’s closed for the day as a way of honoring the opening of another vinyl store! 

It is no secret that the music community is a tight knit group. Someone always knows somebody more than willing to talk music whether it be shows, venues, releases, technology -- any topic dealing with music. And the best part is that they are always happy to share!

There is one other High Voltage record store, but Mann quickly points out “we only have this one. The other is out west somewhere and the spelling is different. It took a lot to get this place ready. There were so many people who helped us. We couldn’t be happier.” 

By all accounts, Morrisette and Mann are quickly settling in to small business life but are constantly brainstorming ideas. It is their way of ensuring that their High Voltage becomes a must visit spot in Boyertown.   

All photos by Julie Cordingley

High Voltage Records 

Location: 130 East Philadelphia Avenue Boyertown, 

PAPhone number: (215) 892-6951

Email: highvoltagerecords68@gmail.com

Store hours: Monday closed 

Tuesday closed 

Wednesday 11:00 – 8:00 

Thursday 11:00 – 8:00 

Friday 11:00 – 9:00 

Saturday 11:00 – 9:00

Sunday 11:00 – 4:00 

It has been over 40 years since a chemist job in Malvern lured Julie Cordingley away from her up state, New York home. She is a proud resident of Gilbertsville! Besides working in industry, at various times she has been a stay-at-home mom, and has just recently retired from Phoenixville Area School District as a (wait for it!) chemistry teacher. It has been a life-long dream to be a writer. She figures she can work at that craft while also traveling with her husband in their drivable RV… a retirement present to herself!

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