When I was five years old my grandmother lived on 14th Street in Eureka and my aunt lived on F Street nearby. They used to send me down to the C&V Market with a NICKEL- 5¢ -to buy a popsicle.
These days I suppose no one would let a kid out of their sight long enough to travel several blocks and back, but nothing ever happened to me. The two owners- Mr Corsetti and Mr Venturini- were always there. (Thanks to the folks on I Remember In Eureka When for helping me with the names.) I loved getting one of those orange chalky- tasting popsicles. I’m sure they were full of unhealthy chemicals.
The other day I stopped by again. The first thing I saw was a sizable display of smoking implements. That was kind of jarring, but I don’t know what I expected. It didn’t take long to find the freezer full of ice cream treats, but NO POPSICLES! “You don’t sell Popsicles?” I asked the nice man behind the counter. He shook his head, smiling sadly. “No more”. I found something that was kind of like a Creamsicle – orange on the outside with a gummy white interior. It lasted all the way to Murphy’s. It cost $1.49.
I’m not sure what point I am trying to make except that a Popsicle in 2017 costs 30 times what it did in 1954. Rob Holmlund from the City has introduced zoning changes to protect the small markets of Eureka, and indeed they deserve protection. Next time you’re driving out and around, stop off at the C&V, or Pat’s or the Handee Market (or the Harris & K market, or the California Market or the Asian Oriental Foods) and buy a loaf of bread or something. These little stores have served the community well. Support your local markets!
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