Reader comments
Bidding a tearful goodbye to 8th Avenue Market

My Dad grew up on 9th Ave and I remember as a kid when we would come to Utah for vacations from California to visit Grandpa and Grandma, we would sometimes pop into the market on 8th Ave. I too have fond memories of that neighborhood store, even though my visits were infrequent and only when we came to see my grandparents. They have both since passed away and my visits to the Avenues have all but dwindled. But my happy childhood memories of all the things we did with Grandpa and Grandma live on, including patronizing the 8th Avenue Market.

My mother and aunt lived on 8th Avenue near Lindsey Gardens Park. My younger brother and I could walk to "Bill's" and pick up groceries. After we grew up and moved away, Bill took good care of my aging aunt and grandmother. Now I am the one who is aging. I visited the 8th Avenue Market one last time when I was home for Thanksgiving this year. I was saddened to learn it was closing. They defined what Customer Service is all about. It is truly an end to an era of neighborhood caring and friendliness.

Makes me wish I had known Bill and the store.

I've noticed we've really started to lose the corner markets where everyone knew you. I'll miss that...and the penny candy, and the fun stuff you couldn't find anywhere else, and the "Bill"s of the world.

Thanks for the great article.

Sometimes change is heartbreaking, and this certainly is. I am so glad I have had the opportunity to go to 8th Avenue all of these years, since I moved to the Avenues in 1980. Bill, like my grocer grandfather, made me feel loved, trusted and important. When I married into an 8th Avenue family, things got even better, with meat provided free of charge for my in-laws funerals, and cheese and ham trays delivered to the house after their passings. I don't know where I will shop, or where I will align my loyalties, but I do know the 28+ years of Bill and 8th Avenue Grocery has enriched my life and helped to make the Avenues my home.

Dear Ann,
The closing of our family business has been a hardship for the entire family. I truely appreciate your thoughtful words and expressions of love for my grandfather and our family that you have given. Thank you for writing such kind remarks and I know that my grandfather would be appreciative.
with sincerity and gratitude,
Annie Liston Walters (Paul, the butcher's,daughter)

i loved walking there after school why didn't i find it earlier

What a great article. I used to hang out with friends in the avenues and we always went to the 8th avenue market to pick up snacks. I have very fond childhood memories of that market. I'm wondering if the family still lives in the avenues, and if the greater avenues area would like to see the market re-opened and updated with the same neighborhood, local feeling? Send me an email!

I like many will miss Bill. He would tease me about my recent weight gain cased by hormone therapy.
"I see your not missing any meals"
byr 8th ave market and Bill will be missed