There is still time left to enjoy the Kelley House Spring exhibition, Don’t Panic * Eat Organic: 50 Years of the Corners Collective. Formed in 1975 as a food-buying club in Kellieowen Hall, Corners embarked on a mission to provide healthy and low-cost food for Mendocino. The following year, Corners became a not-for-profit worker collective, where the workers operated and managed themselves without one person acting as “the boss.” It still runs this way! Open until June 2, the exhibit features the history of the Kelley Baptist Church building and the origins of the name “Corners of the Mouth.” Also included are photos of collective members and the building through the years, original artwork, newspaper clippings, and more.
Corners of the Mouth, date unknown.
In April, the Kelley House hosted a reception for collective members and the public to view the exhibit and reminisce, and, of course, enjoy food made by the wonderful cooks in the collective. In typical collective fashion, the group formed a circle and went around the room, giving everyone a chance to talk and share their connection to Corners. Ranging from recent hires to those there at the inception of the collective, the group discussed the early days of the store, like driving to San Francisco to pick up produce, and fun memories. With so many there to celebrate the anniversary, it is clear that Corners of the Mouth is a vital member of the Mendocino community!
The exhibit includes a notebook to give guests the chance to write their well-wishes to Corners of the Mouth. If you’d like to leave a message, please visit the Kelley House to write about your memories of Corners or simply to wish them well as they begin the next fifty years! Here are some of the comments written in the notebook so far:
“May you continue to nourish the community for another 50 years! – a fan from Oregon”
“All blessings and abundance to Corners – perseverance brings good fortune.”
“What an honor to witness. Thank you for everything, 1985-2025 lover of Mendocino.”
“Congratulations on keeping it going for 50 years! Not an easy task! Great to see the picture display. Here’s to 50 more.”
“A customer for more than 40 years and still grateful for all you do. Thanks!”
“A wonderful example of community, friendship, good food, and LOVE!!!! Thanks all.”
“Corners, you embody the heart of the community, I love you!”
“Eternally grateful. The BEST health food store in the whole world!”
“The best job I ever had. So glad you are still here.”
“Corners is in my heart and soul.”
Come view Don’t Panic * Eat Organic: 50 Years of the Corners Collective at the Kelley House Museum and leave your message!
The Kelley House Museum is open Thursday-Monday from 11am-3pm. Don’t Panic * Eat Organic is on view until June 2nd. Walking tours of Mendocino leave from the Kelley House throughout the week; the cost is $25. Visit the Kelley House Event Calendar for a walking tour schedule.