Strong family ties in Halcyon
The historic Halcyon Store and Post Office—a South County spiritual and business hub — is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year.
And as it does, 25-year owner Susie Clark will hand over the reins to her daughter, Jennie Foremaster.
The shop, at 936 S. Halcyon Road, is based near the town of Halcyon, where many of the 100 residents share a philosophical, religious and ethical belief system as members of The Temple of the People.
The town was founded in 1903. The store and post office opened five years later. The business serves most Halcyon residents, but others come from throughout the Central Coast.
“People like the old-fashioned country feel,” Clark said. “It’s a place to go so people can feel like somebody cares about them.”
Clark and Foremaster — both church members—say their post office operates like any other. And nearly all of the regulars are well-known to them.
The Halcyon Store and Post Office began by selling health food, which continued for decades. But when Clark took it over, she decided to change the store to a gift shop.
“I just remember thinking that I didn’t want to sell rice cakes anymore,” she said. “I eat junk food, and that’s what keeps me healthy.”
Now the store features crystals, massage oils, Buddha figurines, Christian crosses, marbles and incense. Self-help and local history books line the shelves.
