Aldrich's Market | Port Townsend WA

Beginning in 1895, Aldrich’s began as a general store with everything from groceries to shotgun shells. Penny candy, 7¢ soda, comic books and friendly faces made it a draw for neighborhood kids. During the 1960s I was there daily, arriving in style on my Sears 5-speed bike. I oft stood at the threshold—to avoid the bottle deposit—while nursing a 7-Up. As a big hair teen, I stood on the corner and watched cars roll by. Not sure why but I did.

Canon EOS 5D MKII and EF 24-105 4L IS USM

Above: Aldrich’s during the New Age Hippie era. I took this image sometime during the early 1990s. I don't remember the camera or lens but it was film!

In 2003 a fire destroyed the 1889 clapboard building, set by teens playing with lighters. Aldrich’s was rebuilt and the name remained the same, but it morphed into a New Age pit stop for spirits, deli grinds and wilting organic veggies. I dutifully snapped a picture of Aldrich’s each time I visited Port Townsend, grateful for hints of nostalgia that remained. Sadly, Aldrich's faded from view during April 2020, a victim of changing times but forever in our collective memories. Perhaps it will rise again from the ashes...