Passing the Torch:
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All photos © Pierre Chiha Photography
A Big Change in West Concord BY JENNIFER SCHÜNEMANN
When something this historic comes to pass, it’s only right that a publication dedicated to telling Concord’s important stories pauses to pay homage to the people behind that moment. This is one such tale – something that the people of Concord will look back upon as a milestone in their shared history. And the two people behind it are just as important. They have long loved this town and worked hard to build a thriving community here. What we are witnessing is the passing of the baton – one beloved chapter closes, while another opens to new possibilities. The doors of the West Concord 5&10 will close forever on December 31, 2020. In 2021, Debra’s Natural Gourmet will take the up the mantle of community entrusted to it and expand into a space that families have depended upon for generations. It’s a big transition, and an emotional one for all involved. Two Businesses, One Community For close to 85 years, children and adults alike have delighted in the unique treasures 10
Discover CONCORD
| Fall 2020
to be found at the West Concord 5&10… one of the last remaining 5&10 stores in New England, if not the country. Established by Pasqual Miele in 1935, the store moved in 1946 from across the street from today’s spot to the building now occupied by Walden Kitchen. The Forbes family purchased the business in 1951 and moved it to its current location in 1959. Many changes took place over the next 60 years — a building expansion, a changing of the guard from John Forbes to his son Maynard, who in turn worked alongside his stepson Chris when John Forbes passed away in 1991. The late 90s into early 2000s were good years for Maynard, Chris, and for the 5&10. With an inventory of more than 43,000 items, school year supplies, holiday decorations, spring gardening tools, sewing supplies, nick knacks, and summer fun needs kept the business thriving. “The crash of 2008 was far into the future, and Amazon didn’t exist,” said Maynard. “The community was a constant
presence in and out of the door of the West Concord 5&10. Times were good. There are so many wonderful stories over the years – this store has been everything to me.” Meanwhile, one building over, a woman named Debra Stark was embarking on a crazy adventure of her own. In 1989, this woman with no business experience – but plenty of hutzpah - bravely planted her organic, homeopathic, holistic flag in the heart of a working town that had likely never heard of chia seeds or quinoa. “The whole dream began with my Mom – who raised us on organic foods before anyone knew what organic foods were,” said Debra. “My vision was to create a space for great food and a holistic way of living for this amazing community. With no business experience, but a big dream, I definitely learned everything the hard way. But I never thought I wouldn’t succeed.” And succeed she did! Thirty years after a tough start – with many starts and stops along the way – Debra’s Natural Gourmet is a household name in Concord and has even
