MARROWSTONE, Wash. — Marrowstone Island is welcoming an old friend back home.
Perched on the shore of Mystery Bay, the Nordland General Store has a history that goes back to 1922. A place to get groceries and gather.
Until 2020 - when it was destroyed by a fire. But Islanders weren't willing to give up their store, so the community got together and brought this place back from the dead.
"People just walk in and they're all smiles,” said Patti Buckland. She’s the chair of the board that runs the new Nordland General Store Co-op.
During the re-opening on May 25th, there were tears, she said.
“I saw three different people crying when they walked in because they really, really missed their store," Buckland said.
Since re-opening, the store has seen a steady stream of happy locals and curious travelers coming through the door.
"The customers are so excited we're open,” said cashier Ally Ferens.
"Everybody that comes here is so excited, that it is modern, that it is new, everything is found in here. It's a one stop shop!” said cashier Wilson Letting.
Marrowstone-made items like cheese and wine fill the shelves, along with all the groceries you’d need for an overnight stay at Fort Flagler State Park, right up the road.
There’s a mini bookstore in a corner featuring local authors, Nordland General Store T-shirts and dozens of finds made by local artisans like pottery featuring crabs and jellyfish.
Some of the history remains - like the wheel from the ferry that used to bring goods to the store. But they got rid of one trademark of the old store: the woodstove where people gathered. The fire that burned the place was electrical, but still…
“I love when people walk in the space, and one of the questions they ask is, 'Are you bringing the wood stove back?' And I look at them and I'm like, 'I have one word for you: Fire.'” Patti said.
The new aisles are wide so neighbors can visit.
"We did what we call butt tests. We were like, check like, do we have enough room for all these butts in here?” Patti said.
And the inviting front porch remains the same.
So, next time you're on Marrowstone -- "A tiny island nation slightly off the coast of America where the living is easy, the water is sweet, and all the beaches are clothing optional" -- just like the sign on the Nordland General Store says, stop by and pick up a locally made treat, and maybe make a new friend.
"The best way to support this place is to come and shop here,” Patti said.
And remember what grocery stores used to be.
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