next door

 

The pointing finger tells the shopper to go next door for groceries, hardware, even beer and wine.  Alas the store next door as well as the adjacent clothing store have been closed since 1988.  The store stands as if the owner closed up and will return in the morning, with merchandise gathering dust.  Tony Marchiondo came from Italy and settled in Raton because the weather was similar.  He opened his business June 1, 1913 (says so right on the door) and the store closed in 1988 - probably when there wasn't a family member to run it.  The windows are a tribute to Tony's family and his patriotism.  Seven sons served at the same time in World War II; three daughters worked in the business. The Marchiondo Building, erected in 1882, houses the New York and Golden Rule Stores and is a contributing building to the Raton Downtown Historic Building.  My fears that this neat place might just deteriorate were lessened when I discovered that Marchiondo Stores is now a non-profit corporation, whatever that means.

 

7 sons served in WWI

3 daughters worked the store

 

Marchiondo New York and Golden Rule Stores

120-124 First Street

Raton, New Mexico