The Thistle is Moving Downtown
After 50 years of serving Cody in the same location, The Thistle is moving downtown to 1209 Sheridan Ave, where the U-Blaze Vape Store was located. While the move is bittersweet, Donna-Lynn Murray, the owner, is excited about the new location and has started making it her own.
“I love the windows, facade, and historic charm of the building,” she said. The outside has already received a sprucing up with navy paint with gold accents.
She considered moving before when various locations opened up on Sheridan Ave, but none quite felt right. This one, though, felt like the perfect fit.
Two Locations this Season
During the transition, the Thistle will operate at both locations, with an eye toward a November opening at the new location.
“Normally we have three themes for Christmas, and this year, we will have one theme at the old location and two at the new one,” said Murray.
She’s excited to work with new displays, giving the store a fresh look by introducing new product lines while keeping the current popular ones.
As for the old location, the exact time she will leave it is yet to be determined. The building space is open, and anyone interested should contact Richard Realty.
History of the Thistle
The Thistle originally opened in a small building on Rumsey Avenue, near what is now the CASA building (previously Shoshone Office Supply). From there, they spent time from 1982-1985 in the building that now houses the Simpson-Gallagher Gallery, and in 1986, built the building they are currently in.
Being in business for 50 years is unusual, but it goes to show how popular a good gift store is. But it also is a testament to being able to change with the times and keep up. This is The Thistle.
History of 1209 Sheridan Ave.
According to records at the Park County archives, before the Bradbury Building was built, where Open Range Images is located, this building was on the corner. It has twice been a plumbing and heating store, a barber shop, a meat market, a grocery store, a pool hall, a snack store, a bakery and cafe, a pawn shop, and an appliance and TV store.
But most people may remember it as the Sears Catalog Merchandise Store (from 1971-1992), Scary Mary’s clothing store (1993-2001), Herself, a clothing, accessories, and vintage furniture store (2003 – 2010), Sylvia’s (2012-2014), and since 2016, it’s been the U-Blaze Vapor Store.
Janet Jones
Owner, Publisher, Editor
Janet has a rich history in Cody with her grandparents moving here in the late 1930s. Her grandfather started Wyoming Well Service. Janet is a writer, photographer, graphic designer and webmaster. Cody Journal and Cody Calendar blends her skills and talents with her love of the area.
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