Alley’s General Store

In times of yore, one humble store

Sustained our tiny town.

‘Twas not the kind where one might find

A fancy evening gown.

Instead, our needs — from nails to seeds —

Were modest as the dickens,

And Nancy Luce had little use

For lipstick on her chickens.

These wooden walls held overalls

To fit most any size;

Be careful asking directions to where President Obama and his family will be spending their vacation in Chilmark, especially at Alley’s General Store. The Island’s favorite store is feeling the strain in the drama of a Presidential visit.

Assistant store manager Spencer Booker said this week, “The vibe is in the air.” Already he has been asked often where the First Family is staying. “I say, ‘Down the street,’” he laughs, quickly pointing off into the air.

At 4:23 p.m. on Sunday, the helicopters took off from the Martha’s Vineyard Airport, bringing to an end President Obama’s week-long first vacation since winning office, spent on the Island.

As Mr. Obama, his family and entourage took off, the clouds which had dumped some four inches of rain over the previous two days finally broke, and they left in watery sunshine.