In Martha’s Vineyard, the booth is parked in front of Cronig’s Market in Vineyard Haven. On opening day, we were treated to sea shanties by Mark Lovewell and remarks from representatives of our partner station, WCAI, and the Martha’s Vineyard Museum.

Today, the current owner of Cronig’s, Steve Bernier, came to the booth with Robbie Cronig, who sold the market to Steve over 20 years ago and whose father started Cronig’s in 1917. Robbie remembered life on the Vineyard before telephone service arrived. In the winters, he would go door to door collecting grocery orders. At each house he visited, he would be offered a homemade treat, and in the summer he would work off the extra padding. Robbie said Steve is like the son he never had, and that he reminds him of his father, Samuel Cronig; both are fair and honest men who care about their community.

You can hear an excerpt of Mr. Bernier and Mr. Cronig’s interview here.