Brownfield's Blog RSS

It was 9:55am on Saturday, November 2nd and the line of people wrapped all the way around the side of the building as chatting filled the air with eagerness for the doors to open.  Rummage Sale day always proves to be both encouraging and entertaining.  Our faithful supporters flood the store and carry armloads of merchandise out.  It is a joyous morning and truly a remarkable sight to see.  Thinking back to days after the flood, I recalled surveying the damage as well as a store packed full of merchandise.  It was hard to imagine how all of the products...

If I had a dollar for every time someone has asked me why I am working at a retail shop, I would probably be a very wealthy woman by now. I pondered this question as I surveyed the increasingly barren store last night. Why am I at Brownfield’s? I am glad you asked. It isn’t because of the insane hours we keep during the season. It isn’t because of the many different hats I get to wear in any given day. It isn’t because of the thousands of shirts I fold or garments I price. It isn’t because of the...

One month ago today, Estes Park experienced a deluge of enormous proportions.  Nearly two and half weeks later, the crown jewel of Colorado, Rocky Mountain National Park, was closed.  Despite these two devastating blows, this resilient town has stood strong.  It is truly the tenacious mountain spirit that has overcome these giant obstacles.  Brownfield's has been blessed with incredible support from locals, front range folks, and out-of-town friends.  The amount of people who have proudly proclaimed their support of Estes Park has been inspiring.  We are extraordinarily grateful for all of those who have traveled near and far to visit...

Three Floods Later and Brownfield's is still here.  We have survived the floods of 1976, 1982, and now 2013.  The store re-opened on Friday, September 20, 2013.  We were able to open because of the tireless efforts of many friends. A special thanks to Kenny, Scott, Dragan, Marina, Susie, Annette, Pam, Don, Karl, Raven, Gary, Tim, Gayle, Richard, Nick, Ray, Dan, Teri, and Rich.  Thank you!We were able to get a great deal accomplished in a week.  We removed all of the mud and water from the lower level of the store.  The crawl space was emptied of nearly three...

I have heard that any organization’s impact is measured by the loss a community feels in its absence. One week ago today, a deluge descended upon Estes Park and wreaked havoc in this beautiful town. It is through events such as this that one pauses to think about the bigger picture. We at Brownfield’s long to be more than “just a store.” We want to be an identifying factor in the great experience people call “being in Estes Park.” What I learned this week is that people near and far hold this mountain town close to their hearts. If an...