It doesn’t seem too many years ago although it probably was.
Downtown Hollister was all we had. It was a wonderful downtown with
everything we needed and more: banks, offices, library, the Free
Lance, Muenzer’s Enterprise Electric, The Wardrobe, Baughman’s,
Schipper’s, Penny’s, barbers, beauticians and drug stores. Some we
lost, but many more took their place. We shopped downtown, visited
downtown and socialized downtown.
It doesn’t seem too many years ago although it probably was. Downtown Hollister was all we had. It was a wonderful downtown with everything we needed and more: banks, offices, library, the Free Lance, Muenzer’s Enterprise Electric, The Wardrobe, Baughman’s, Schipper’s, Penny’s, barbers, beauticians and drug stores. Some we lost, but many more took their place. We shopped downtown, visited downtown and socialized downtown.
Downtown was ours. We were neighbors. We were community. What has gotten into our heads that we think we have to rush to the latest “big box” or outlet in Gilroy? We do exactly what we hate. We drive in traffic, battle traffic, hunt for parking, join crowds, spend time looking and fail to find service all for that elusive special item at a bargain price. Let the tour buses do that.
In the meantime, the sales tax goes to Santa Clara County for schools, roads, sewer, fire and police. Look at the headaches we would save ourselves if we shopped in our own downtown. We would support our infrastructure, build community and rejoice in our hometown that we hold so dear.
Mary Zanger,
Hollister
