Our Rich History
Martindale’s has been a cornerstone of the health food movement since 1869. Our commitment to fresh, local, and organic products has shaped our legacy.
1869
Image Source: Sport Royal, I Warrant You! 1897
Establishes 1st Grocery
Thomas Martindale – Merchant, Civic Leader, Big Game Hunter, Author
Thomas Martindale established the first grocery store in Oil City, PA in 1869. The first thing he did was to have a checkered front painted on the store. A fountain was installed in the front window with goldfish. The spray of water played down upon a variety of vegetables such as lettuce, radishes, and watercress. In 1875 the store was moved to Philadelphia. Thomas Martindale asserts, “We aim to cater for and appeal to all who eat”.
1907
Image: View of Market Street, east from 10th, Philadelphia, 1907, (silver gelatin print) by American Photographer, (20th century); Free Library of Philadelphia
Early Location in Philadelphia
Thos. Martindale & Co building is on the left-hand side of the photograph. The store was located at various locations in Philly throughout the years. However, this 1907 photograph clearly shows Martindale's on the left. In the early 1900s, bread was selling for $.05 a loaf.