Letter to the Editor: Saddened by closing of the Gildford Merc

Editor:

I'd like to take a minute or two to address one of the biggest news stories on the Hi-Line this past week: the closing of the Gildford Mercantile.

The Merc has been a part of my life since I was a kid. I bought penny candy from John Campbell, rented movies from Brad and Sandra Ford, walked over on high school lunch break to grab a snack from Michelle and John Helmbrecht and, as an adult, purchased dinner for my family from Ted and Laura Pacheco Hauser

Throughout the years, the Merc has been a fixture of life on the Hi-Line — even before my time. It holds a very special, very sentimental place in my heart — as any place associated with your childhood tends to do. I am sad to see the Merc close its doors.

That being said, I completely understand the reasoning behind it. Increasing fuel and energy costs, increased mobility, new shopping opportunities, and decreasing rural population simply do not make it feasible to operate a fully functioning grocery store on the Hi-Line anymore. Frankly, I'm surprised the doors have remained open this long.

The fact that they have is a testament to the Hauser family, who have poured their heart, soul and savings into the Merc for the last seven years. They have operated at a loss just to afford our dwindling community the opportunity to grab a gallon of milk without having to travel 30 miles.

They have been a godsend to people like me, who were allowed to charge on an account when we couldn't make ends meet until payday. They have been a welcome and blessed addition to our little Hi-Line town. That is why it pains me to hear people speak negatively about the closing of the Merc. It is a sad change indeed; however, it is a necessary change. It puts into perspective the evolution of life in rural America. If nothing else, it should make us appreciate the little things that make small town living worth the hassles that sometimes accompany it.

Change is inevitable. It is not always pleasant, but it is constant. Rather than griping about the inconvenience of not being able to stop off for a 50 cent coffee every morning, let's appreciate the many years that Gildford was able to be the only town between Havre and Chester with a grocery store. Let's wish the Hausers well — let's thank them for their dedication to our precious Merc, let's congratulate them on making a tough decision that will allow their family to remain a part of our community ... oh, and if nothing else, let's thank them for those amazing sandwiches!

Crystal Faldalen

Gildford