Peggy Hodgson can tell you stories! And she was doing just that on Saturday, July 15, 2023 as city dignitaries, friends and family gathered at her shop at 1005 Mission Street to celebrate her 52 years in business. She was reminiscing with Mayor Jon Primuth about the first businesses on her block and marveling at how much the block has grown. She praised the owner of the iconic Alexander Building, Abe Oheb, for being a truly caring and kind landlord to Hodgson’s and all the other thriving businesses on her beloved block.
Hodgson was joined by Mayor Jon Primuth, City Councilmembers Janet Braun, Michael Cacciotti, and Evelyn Zniemer, Chamber of Commerce CEO Laurie Wheeler, Chamber Board Member Karla Thompson, Chamber Ambassadors Yvonne LaRose and Chantal Garcia, Erica Nam from Anthony Portantino’s office, Alexander Building owners Abe and Shanny Oheb, daughter Samara Hodgson, husband Leonard Hodgson, son Ronald, son Ryan and daughter-in-law Mallory, future son-in-law Robert, sister-in-law Debbie and brother-in-law Wally, nieces, nephews, a brand new granddaughter, and several friends.
After the official ribbon cutting honoring her 52 years, along with much cheering from the gathered crowd, Hodgson said, “I can’t believe that I’ve been here for 52 years and I really appreciate all the support from all my customers, my family, my friends all these years. I don’t know how I managed to do it for 52 years but here I am and I really appreciate it and love it here in South Pasadena. I can’t thank everybody enough and this is very exciting – I’d never believe that I’d be here this long.”
Mayor Primuth presented Hodgson with an official Certificate of Recognition from the city saying, “We are so proud to have you and thank you for sticking through thick and thin with the city.” The official proclamation reads “Certificate of Recognition for 52 years in business in the City of South Pasadena. Thank you for your committment to the families of the South Pasadena community. Congratulations on being the longest business in the city that has been under your original ownership. We wish you and your business continued success.”
Chamber CEO Laurie Wheeler thanked everyone for coming saying, “thank you for supporting this business for 52 years. It’s because of people like you that keep small businesses in South Pasadena and keep South Pasadena unique – so keep shopping local.”
Hodgson invites community members to view her “memory window” which is the display in the far left window of the business that features a t-shirt that she wore on a feature with Jack LaLanne along with photos and articles on Peggy and the business. Hodgson’s is a legendary South Pasadena business that has been a local favorite for a few generations now. Peggy tells of young customers who come in telling her that their great grandmothers used to shop there! If you are one of the few who have not wandered into this special antique store, do yourself a favor and drop by to discover its magic and wonder.
