I am sad to say that I recently learned that Hamilton Market will be closing its doors. A new owner will reopen the business.

The market, which was originally established in 1951, has always been a pillar of the community. A place where locals could shop for needed grocery items without having to go to the “big-box stores.” A place where everybody knows your name, and you know their names. Unfortunately, that looks like it’s going to change.

The new owner operates neighborhood markets in the Salem area that are your average “stop and go” type of markets. And I use the term market loosely, because it will no longer be a market. It will, however, be a place where vacationers can pick up beer, wine and maybe a container of milk.

To say that I’m disappointed is an understatement. I can’t imagine how those living on the south side of town are going to deal with its closure. I guess only time will tell.

Marti Wajc

Seaside