Oysterville Store and Gas Station circa 1925
The late breaking news in the village is that the official Grand Reopening of the Oysterville Store has been postponed until July 6th. However, I am still scheduled to sign Legendary Locals of the Long Beach Peninsula at a sort of Sneak Preview on Saturday, May 25th from 1:00 to 3:00.
I believe that everything will be more-or-less “in place” (as originally planned) by Memorial Day weekend. According to new owner Greg Rogers:”It will look like an opening. The windows will be decorated, the lights will be up, everything will be painted and cheerful. I will have as much of the shelving filled as possible and we will all have a good time.”
Sounds like a party to me!! I’m excited and I hope that people come to see the store’s “new look.” I’m not sure why the actual Grand Opening is being put on hold, but knowing Greg, there must still be i’s to be dotted and t’s to be crossed before he’s comfortable saying he’s “open for business.” But, personally, no matter what the reason, I love the idea of a Sneak Preview.
Oysterville Store, Post Office, Gas Station circa 1940
I haven’t been inside the store for some time – not since the renovation has gathered momentum – but by pressing my nose to the front windows, I have glimpsed some exciting changes within. As far as I can tell, Greg’s most dramatic innovation has been to enlarge the interior space by incorporating the back room into the main part of the store. And by installing big, old-fashioned windows in the south wall – as in “let there be light” – the store has suddenly become even more inviting, even more nostalgic, even more magical. Those windows also reveal a ‘secret garden’ behind the building. Who knew?
So… I’m urging everyone to mark their calendars for 1:00 Saturday afternoon, May 25th. A sneak preview of the ‘new’ Oysterville Store will be a historic event in itself – one of those “I was there when…” experiences that will be a topic of conversation for years to come. And, of course, while you’re at it, buy a book or two and maybe meet a few of Oysterville’s “legendary locals” in person!
We will certainly try to make it up there as soon as I get the lawn mowed that day. That seems to be my ticket to do anything…mow the lawn and then I can play. Looking forward to the new look!