Weavers Way celebrates 40 years

Members old and new came together on Sunday to celebrate the Weavers Way Co-op’s 40th anniversary on the grounds of Cliveden.

 

The relaxed, family-friendly party offered a chance to reminisce about the old days and take pride in the growth through the years.

There were tasty bites from numerous food vendors and Weavers Way own barbecue grill. Attendees stretched out under trees and on the estate lawn to enjoy an autumn picnic. The live music acts had several members dancing while the kids had fun with activities such as face and pumpkin painting.

Over the past 40 years, the co-op grew from a tiny store at 555 Carpenter Lane to its present location at the intersection of Carpenter and Greene streets in Mt. Airy. Weavers Way expanded further by opening a second store in Chestnut Hill in 2010. In 2012, its Mt. Airy location underwent extensive renovations and the co-op opened a separate combination wellness and pet store across the street. An additional wellness store is set to open this month in Chestnut Hill.

The co-op has grown to include farms at Awbury Arboretum and W.B. Saul Agricultural High School.

Original members from 1973, Leah and Norman Schwartz of Mt. Airy fondly recalled the days when Weavers Way as an all-volunteer operation. It was hard work, Norman Schwartz said. Back then, volunteers even drove trucks to the food distribution center at 3 a.m. “Those were the hippie days,” Leah Schwartz joked.

Marty and Linda Millison are another original member couple who took part in the festivities. Though the couple moved to Center City in 2005, their membership is still active. Their daughter now resides in Mt. Airy, so they are frequent visitors to the neighborhood. Linda Millison says there are certain items she prefers to buy only at the co-op, such as baked goods and fresh produce.

The Millisons are pleased with the changes and growth of the flourishing co-op.

“I think it’s fabulous!” Linda Millison said.