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Titcomb’s Celebrates 50 Years

Ralph and Nancy Titcomb
Ralph and Nancy Titcomb alongside the bench to be installed in their honor.

Titcomb’s Bookshop, located in East Sandwich, Massachusetts, is marking 50 years in business, reported the Cape Cod Times. During a July 15 celebration, customers, friends, and family gathered for cake, children’s activities, live music, a visit by Clifford the Big Red Dog, and a reading by Representative Randy Hunt of a citation from Governor Charlie Baker in recognition of the store’s 50 years.

In 1966, Ralph and Nancy Titcomb purchased a house in Canterbury, Connecticut, which came with an old barn filled with items that the couple and their children began selling by mail and at flea markets as part of an enterprise called The Paper Barn.

Three years later, the Titcombs moved the bookstore out to Cape Cod, where it has been ever since. Four generations of the Titcomb family have worked at the store throughout the years, and the store is currently owned by Ralph and Nancy’s daughter Vicky Titcomb, who has been at the helm since 1991.

Ralph and Nancy Titcomb also attended the July 15 celebration. A bench featuring a quote by Mary Oliver will soon be installed at the Sandwich Public Library in their honor.

Farley’s Marks Half a Century

Farley's Bookshop staff celebrate 50th anniversaryFarley’s Bookshop, located in New Hope, Pennsylvania, celebrated its 50th anniversary on July 13 with an open-invitation potluck party, a special 20 percent discount all evening, and new Farley’s tote bags featuring a book-toting gnome.

“It was a beautiful night of July heat and thunderstorms, babies and puppies, old friends and new, good drink and fine eats. Thank you to all who came and supported us. To another 50 years!” the store wrote on Facebook.

The store opened in July 1967.

New England Mobile Book Fair Relocates

On July 12, the New England Mobile Book Fair reopened in a new location down the road from its longtime spot in Newton Highlands, Massachusetts, reported Patch. The store celebrated its reopening over the weekend by offering free gifts for customers making purchases of $20 or more.

“It’s a much smaller venue but we’ll be able to carry a lot more inventory,” said owner Tom Lyons.

The store’s lease expired in the spring, but Lyons found a smaller and more affordable space in the nearby Marshall’s Plaza, which is due to undergo renovations in the coming years. The store may be able to remain following the renovations, Lyons told Patch.

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