The little grocery store in the iconic building proves that idealism never goes out of style
Back in the mid-1970s, the “flower power” era was coming to an end, slowly morphing into a more cynical, disillusioned era marked by the Manson murders, Altamont, and Watergate.
But many still held on to the idealism of the 60s. And although San Francisco was the epicenter of the flower power movement, hundreds of young seekers sought refuge from the urban jungle by moving to the wilds of Mendocino County and living off the land.
Gary Sheppard was no exception. After leaving his hometown of Los Angeles and briefly flirting with San Francisco, he found his nirvana in Albion. Influenced by the back-to-the-land movement and a deep commitment to locally grown, healthy, organic food, he started a small food-buying club in Mendocino in 1975.
It originally operated out of Kellieowen Hall at the southwest corner of Lansing and Ukiah Streets, then moved to the Kelley Baptist Church building on Ukiah Street in 1976. That same year Sheppard’s food club incorporated as a workers collective, and adopted the name Corners of the Mouth.
The poetic yet cryptic name derives from Hexagram 27, a passage in the I Ching, the ancient Chinese book of philosophical wisdom that became wildly popular during the 60s counterculture era.
Titled “Nourishment,” the passage emphasizes the importance of both physical and spiritual sustenance. It represents not only eating properly, but also caring for oneself and others, cultivating moral values and intellect, and achieving balance by controlling one’s appetites:
The Corners of the Mouth.
Perseverance brings good fortune.
Pay heed to the providing of nourishment.
And to what a man seeks.
To fill his own mouth with.
Corners is closely identified with the striking and beloved building that it has occupied for almost five decades. Originally built in 1893 by early settler William Kelley for his wife, Eliza, it had an active church congregation from 1894 until about 1936, then housed various businesses until Corners moved in. The store has now become part of the historical legacy of the building, and of the town of Mendocino.
If you’ve never been inside, you’re in for a treat. It’s not quite a religious experience, but the 30-foot ceilings, lancet windows, and stained glass definitely make for a unique shopping experience. Don’t miss the tea room, a second-story alcove above the checkout area that looks over the main shopping floor.
Although Sheppard left the Corners collective not long after it incorporated, it continued to operate according to its founding principles, and still does to this day.
In the 50th year of Corners of the Mouth we celebrate its ongoing commitment to collective ownership, healthy food, and local producers.
In an era of industrial food, capitalism run amok, and corporate greed, the persistence of Corners reminds us that although the 60s and 70s are long gone – their idealism still lives on.
Corners of the Mouth is located at 45015 Ukiah Street in Mendocino. It is open from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm every day. For more information call (717) 937-5345 or visit Facebook.com/CornersoftheMouth.
