Marion General Store Closing After 52 Years

Things in Marion don’t change much. Years go by and the sleepy SouthCoast waterfront town still looks remarkably the same, especially south of Route 6. It has the same vibe it did 50, 60, even 70 years ago. The cars are updated, of course. The Cumberland Farms has been modernized. But especially in the quaint village, Marion is a constant, like a setting straight out of a John Updike novel. Sailboats, yacht clubs, and private beaches all presented with a quiet sense of wealth.

Why This is Big Marion News

Why is it headline news on Front Street when the Marion General Store announces it is closing? Because there are so many questions left unanswered and nowhere to gossip about them. Where will the Tabor students buy their candy and chips? Where will New York City families summering in Marion bring their children to wander in with sandy feet and flip flops? Where can you run to on a hot summer Saturday to buy a half gallon of Hood Ice Cream?

The Heart Of Marion Village

If a place could have main character energy, the Marion General Store had it. For 52 years, it has been the subtle but strong center of attention in the village. And for now it is no more.

A Closure That Feels Unreal

Truthfully, when I saw the news Wednesday, my first thought was that this had to be some kind of April Fools joke. It would be off brand for the Marion General Store to joke about something like permanently closing, but that shows how unlikely this story feels.

What We Know Right Now

I called today to see if anyone at the store could comment, but no one answered at 3 o'clock in the afternoon. I took a ride to Marion to see for myself. That is when I saw the sign that plainly said it all. Thank you for 52 years from the Cheney family. Another sign read that they understand the urgency to know what comes next, but they need time and appreciate patience as they reflect and make important decisions.

What Happens Next For Marion Village

Like it or not, change is coming to Marion Village. It is hard to believe the Marion General Store will not be part of it. Something tells me this is not the final chapter in this Updike story.