Editors, Vineyard Gazette:

I was very saddened to hear that Leslie’s Drug Store will be closing. Leslie’s has been my pharmacy since I first arrived on the Vineyard in the summer of 1971. 

In the early 1970s, Vineyard Haven was a lively small town with many businesses available within walking distance. There were two pharmacies — Yates and Leslie’s the post office with the wonderful Hector Asselin as postmaster, Shirley’s Hardware, the original Cronig’s Market, Martha’s Vineyard National Bank, among others. You could go to town, run to the bank, visit the pharmacy, check your mail, pick up groceries, and  items from the hardware store, often running into friends, and be able to stop for a bit and catch up. Cronig’s Market up on State Road serves that purpose now.

One by one, as the pressures built due to the ever-increasing popularity of the Island, many of these businesses moved to the outskirts of town. Others found conditions unsustainable on Main street, and had to close completely. One by one, those spaces were often replaced by shops focusing more on tourist’s needs. In the process, the town lost its vibrant center.

Leslie’s Drug Store has been open on Main street since 1948. Leslie Leland owned Leslie’s back when I first arrived. He and all the people who worked there  for years, were always friendly and welcoming. That graciousness continued when Warren Holmberg took over Leslie’s. He and his family, and all the staff have always been friendly and helpful. You feel that they are always there for you. I am very sorry that they are closing, but understand the pressures that they are under.

Thank you, Warren, family, and all of the staff for your kindness and help over the years. It is a sad moment for many of us,  and a definite loss for Vineyard Haven’s Main street, and the Island community that you have served so well. We will miss you.

Randon Rynd

Vineyard Haven