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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Hi Julie,
Please remind your readers to also visit the Mexican grocery stores in town.
There is one in the old Deb’s Restaurant behind the Dutch Bros. There is another great one on Broadway where Hansen Electric used to be, behind Six Rivers Solar and my favorite, burned down a couple of months ago on McCullen and Broadway. I hope they rebuild. I loved the Mexican pastries they created there.
I FORGOT that there were TWO more besides the one that burned. Great point! The one that burned was my favorite.
Julie, please suggest stopping at the Mexican grocery stores, as well.
They also make up the fabric of our community. There are a couple in Eureka. On in the old Deb’s restaurant building and the other on Broadway behind Six Rivers Solar. My favorite burned down on McCullen’s and Broadway….such a sad, sad, day. I hope they rebuild and bring back the wonderful Mexican pastries.
It is a shame that cities throughout California (and probably the nation) are losing their neighborhood markets, because without them one has to drive to the big supermarket, look for a parking space, and most likely stand in a line to check out. But even if more people started using these small markets, the owners have trouble obtaining products because many distributors will not serve them unless they place large orders that exceed what they expect to sell.
The C&V only has ONE 12 minute parking space in front but at least it has that. I LIKE shopping in a small empty store. Shopping at Safeway, in comparison, is rough duty. But you’re right , they have a hard time moving enough product.