The ever optimistic riverdaleparkette lately wallows in despair. Friday, July 29, was the final day for the Riverdale Used Bookshop and Coffee Depot. Altruism and integrity kept its doors open in 1994; greed and vindictiveness boarded its doors shut in 2005.
The Washington Post wrote an article, and Alan penned a fond farewell.
The bookshop was a huge part of my life, and the words to describe the closing aren't coming as easily as the tears... but I'll do my best to give those who don't know an idea of the place.
Audrey and Simon have done nothing but give to the community with that establishment. Among their benevolence:
Good Coffee at a Good Price in Downtown Riverdale Park - The coffee came in each week roasted just a day prior to arriving. You think that mermaid-adorned coffee place is good? Well, you never had one of Simon's lattes. I loved the house coffee, as well as the "power shake," a blended concoction of espresso, ice cream, and ice.
A Meeting Place for Ideas - Meetings that led to the citizens repealing the sale of the Field of Dreams as well as many other political movements took place mainly at the Riverdale Bookshop. Coffee Shops have historically been regarded as meeting places of political dissidents, and the bookshop was Riverdale Park's own "Green Dragon." Politics aside, I was personally privvy to numerous intellectual conversations that broadened the perspectives of everyone who participated.
Music Junction - A free weekly night of music. The hat was passed to pay the musicians, and many folks who wouldn't get a chance to be in front of a friendly, receptive audience got the chance to play their songs.
The Festival of Lights - At Christmas time, Audrey put together a trolley ride through the town ending with a visit to Santa at the Train Station. It was a great way to spread some holiday cheer to your neighbors.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors - While this wasn't limited to the bookshop, the idea was definitely supported by it. Audrey coordinated a way for citizens to support their neighbors in need with either time or money, and sometimes both.
The above list is just the start of the ways Audrey and Simon invested their souls into both the bookshop and this town.
When I walk by the charming building, it hurts me to see the place so thoroughly empty, but at least Audrey took her kick-ass sink.
The Washington Post wrote an article, and Alan penned a fond farewell.
The bookshop was a huge part of my life, and the words to describe the closing aren't coming as easily as the tears... but I'll do my best to give those who don't know an idea of the place.
Audrey and Simon have done nothing but give to the community with that establishment. Among their benevolence:
Good Coffee at a Good Price in Downtown Riverdale Park - The coffee came in each week roasted just a day prior to arriving. You think that mermaid-adorned coffee place is good? Well, you never had one of Simon's lattes. I loved the house coffee, as well as the "power shake," a blended concoction of espresso, ice cream, and ice.
A Meeting Place for Ideas - Meetings that led to the citizens repealing the sale of the Field of Dreams as well as many other political movements took place mainly at the Riverdale Bookshop. Coffee Shops have historically been regarded as meeting places of political dissidents, and the bookshop was Riverdale Park's own "Green Dragon." Politics aside, I was personally privvy to numerous intellectual conversations that broadened the perspectives of everyone who participated.
Music Junction - A free weekly night of music. The hat was passed to pay the musicians, and many folks who wouldn't get a chance to be in front of a friendly, receptive audience got the chance to play their songs.
The Festival of Lights - At Christmas time, Audrey put together a trolley ride through the town ending with a visit to Santa at the Train Station. It was a great way to spread some holiday cheer to your neighbors.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors - While this wasn't limited to the bookshop, the idea was definitely supported by it. Audrey coordinated a way for citizens to support their neighbors in need with either time or money, and sometimes both.
The above list is just the start of the ways Audrey and Simon invested their souls into both the bookshop and this town.
When I walk by the charming building, it hurts me to see the place so thoroughly empty, but at least Audrey took her kick-ass sink.
posted by Maureen at 12:49 PM
4 Comments:
Hear, hear! Audrey and Simon, and their bookstore, were the foundation of our community, and without them, and a place to meet, I feel much less connected to my chosen home.
Did you see that someone wrote "Welcome to Jemalville" on the window on Tuesday? It was gone when I drove by today. I wish it had stayed.
-Sarah
I'm sure one of Simon's lattes easily beats out the lattes that the green mermaid makes. The green mermaid heats her beans at way too high of a heat. It produces more espresso, but makes the coffee taste bitter. Most independent baristas have too much pride to do such a thing to an innocent coffee bean.
I'm really sorry that an Evil Sith is running out the coffee shop, and I hope that something better (in Riverdale Park, aye) opens up for Audrey and Simon.
Good thoughts headed your way, Alkelda
*chirp*
*chirp*
*chirp*
sarah - I did see the sign! It was awesome.
akelda - Thanks for the kind words. I think things will be just fine. I guess I'm just optimistic like that.
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