In 1972, Jules Timmerman had a dream: a full-fledged co-op selling locally grown fresh produce to the Mt Airy neighborhood.
A few months later he rented a store front and his dream became a reality. Jules stocked the store with a good selection of deli products and fresh produce and opened for business on January 13, 1973. Produce bins lined the right side of the store. Big glass deli cases and a counter for cutting and wrapping lined the left, with one aisle in between. Six shoppers made it as crowded as 40 in Weavers Way today. Jules rented 557 Carpenter, next door, as an office space.
The store was so small in its first incarnation that there was no space for any check out. You’d go next door to 557 to pick up an order pad. You’d go back to 555 to select your groceries, and you’d write every product and price on the order pad. Then you’d return to 557 and pay for the groceries. Finally, you’d go back to 555 to pick up your order. Talk about ping-pong shopping!
Weavers Way is a true co-op. Members are required to work in the Co-op at least six hours per year. The work requirement is of philosophical importance to the Co-op. Working puts the members in touch with each other and serves to strengthen community ties. It also makes members more fully aware of how the Co-op functions, and its problems and possibilities.
Sound interesting? Then consider an afternoon of fun on Saturday, Oct. 11, as they celebrate their first Harvest Festival at the Weavers Way Farm, located in Awbury Arboretum, 1101 Washington Lane in East Germantown. Festivities will take place from noon until 4 p.m. and will feature musical entertainment, a hay ride, a raffle, plenty of farm fresh food, and much more.
For more information Click Here
