Sally Bjork
“Finally, one I recognize!” says David Frye. “The ampersand is from the Downtown Home & Garden building at 210 S. Ashley,” writes Pamela Kittel. “The weeping emoji says it all,” writes Dave Bicknell. “To the disappointment of many, another beloved community business is closing its doors,” laments Elise McCoy, while Susan Pollans calls it “an iconic town destination” that “will be sorely missed.”
Eileen Hoekstra urges us to “appreciate it while we can.” They will “close for good in December 2025 after 119 years of a variety of businesses at that location,” writes Barb Tester. “This is another example of small businesses struggling to be profitable in these challenging economic times.”
“Why you gotta do an I Spy tearjerker again after featuring Red Hawk? 😭” asks Megan Hartline. “It’s one of those closings that hits hard,” says Joe Cialdella. Dan Romanchik quotes Joni Mitchell: “Don’t it always seem to go that you don’t know what you’ve got til it’s gone.” He adds, “This is what’s happening to Ann Arbor.”
Spencer Thomas nailed it! “I’m sure you will get many entries lamenting the pending closure of Downtown Home & Garden.” Forty-one, in fact, highlighting the many things—friendly staff, the cat curled up in the front window, the drive-thru, the distinctive items—that our community cherishes about DH&G. It will be dearly missed.
As our random drawing winner, Lisa Renko, says, “we are all so sad that it is closing!” We hope she finds some comfort in her $25 gift certificate at Zingerman’s.
To enter this month’s contest, use the image and clue below and send your answer to [email protected].
Hint: folklore | Sally Bjork