North Puget Sound’s historic Nordland General Store is hosting a Grand Re-opening on Saturday, May 25th, with a ribbon cutting celebration at 9am and live music at 11:30am. The store will be officially open for business at 9am.
The store has been the heart and soul of the island for generations of residents on Marrowstone Island, as well as a favorite stop for boaters. The beloved store operation was lost to a fire in 2020, but thanks to the early financial investments of many islanders, the structure was repaired and readied for the next owners. The interior of the building has reached completion and is being readied for the May grand opening.
Store History. Brothers Elmer and Harry Johnson began operating a small trading post in 1922 from the shores of Mystery Bay on Marrowstone Island, today’s Nordland General Store. In the early days, island-produced eggs, poultry, vegetables, and strawberries were brought to market by ferry to Port Townsend and Seattle in exchange for dry goods and animal feed. Later, Tom and Sue Rose owned the store for many years and dedicated their time and energy, carrying on the community legacy. Over the last three years, a plan was developed for the Nordland General Store to be owned and operated by the community.
Sunday Tractor Parade. Tom & Sue Rose, previous owners of the store, will keep the festivities going full swing on Sunday, bringing back the traditional Tractor Days’ Parade and Triathlon. the Tractor Parade begins at Noon and the Triathlon starts at 1pm. Participants of the triathlon run to Mystery Bay, canoe/kayak to the store dock, and then bicycle to East beach and return to the store via Meade Road.
The Nordland Store Co-op. The General Store is now structured as a cooperative, an independent organization owned, operated, and financed by its members. The store is registered with the State of Washington as a Cooperative Corporation, which is offering lifetime member shares for $250 per household. You can become a member by signing up online, or by downloading a membership form and mailing to Nordland General Store, c/o The Board of Directors, PO Box 293, Nordland, WA 98358. Members receive special discounts and other opportunities throughout the year. Membership currently stands at 400 members with the goal of reaching 500 members by Opening Day.
Of course, you do not need to be a member in order to shop at this unique general store. All are welcome and given a warm reception; yes, the heart and soul of the island is back again.
The store will carry a wide selection of goods, including specialty food products, sundries, store merchandise, convenience items, and crafts. The store celebrates local makers and will carry Mystery Bay goat cheese, Grainery Breads, and Marrowstone Vineyards wines. Store hours are 8 am to 8 pm, daily during the summer months (reduced days and hours in the shoulder season). Call (360) 200-1525 to confirm hours.
Arriving by Boat. The Nordland General Store is located at the shallow end of Mystery Bay, accessible by dinghy or kayak only. A dinghy dock located across the road from the store may be used for short-term stays (max. 1-2 hrs.) while shopping at the store, or enjoying an espresso or ice cream on the front porch. Tom and Sue Rose, owners of the dinghy dock, wish to support the store and appreciate everyone’s courtesy. Boaters should be mindful of the tides as they arrive and depart by dinghy.
Mystery Bay Marine State Park is nearby, where boaters can find guest moorage for the mothership on the public dock, or on one of the park’s mooring buoys (use the self-registration payment box upland from the dock). Anchorage is available in nearby Scow Bay within Kilisut Harbor.
Photo: Nordland website
