Made In America & Marathons

Save the whales, buy a mat—an unlikely mantra, but it’s true.

Mystic’s , a premier place selling beautifully crafted, often ecologically sound goods—all made in America—carries these special door mats from the “Briny Deep.”

In their effort to save the endangered Northern Right Whale, lobstermen trade their nets that float for those that sink to reduce the number of whales entangled in their nets. Maine marine craftsmen weave the hardy rope in colors of yellow, purple, black, blue, pink or green into long-wearing, mud-removing, door mats in two sizes for $48 and $38. They’re a handsome welcome to any home and apt to endure well throughout New England’s seasons of snow, rain, more rain, some more rain and mud.

The Company of Craftsmen opened 30 years ago at 43 W. Main St. with owner Jack Steel seeking out artisans and craftspeople who specialize in glass, wood, pottery and jewelry. Reclaimed wood becomes gorgeously crafted jewelry boxes, game boards, cutting boards, salad bowls and even cheese slicers. Shimmering glass takes the form of beveled sun catchers, ornaments, vases, sushi trays and extraordinary pieces showcasing the other-worldly jelly fish. Steel also carries ceramics and pottery from various artists, including Rhode Island potters, who he says are the country’s best.        

You’ll find Josh Simpson’s myriad glass globes that begin at $75, some of which have traveled in space, thanks to Simpson’s wife, astronaut Cady Coleman, currently moving around the planet aboard the International Space Station, and just last month performing the first-ever space/Earth duet with Ian Anderson, founder of rock band Jethro Tull. It’s a very cool, worth a see video—not only for the performances, but to see Coleman’s silver flute float into view from above, followed by the astronaut gently tumbling into sight before settling in to play.

With its domestically made offerings, the Company of Craftsmen is a gem in our midst. I just returned from Martha’s Vineyard, and while the island has its share of wonderful shops, many items, especially those purporting to represent the place (just like here), carry the Made in China label. 

Over in , you’ll find the place to get you where you want to go this spring and summer in a brand-new pair of walking or running shoes at .

Here is yet another local business in operation for 30 years, beginning in downtown Mystic and then moving to the village about 20 years ago. Right across from the duck pond, the shop offers a great selection of men’s and women’s running and walking shoes, along with a ton of expertise, starting with that from its owner—Marathon winner and Olympic athlete John Kelley.

The affable Kelley won the Boston Marathon in 1957 and finished second, not in one or two, but in five of the big Boston road races and has run in about 70 marathons over the years. He also competed in the Melbourne Olympic Games in 1956 and the Rome Olympics in 1960.

Kelley and his crew offer practical footwear advice to best suit your needs. The store works with triathletes, serious and casual runners and walkers, as well as people with special podiatry needs and those in professions demanding comfortable, supportive footwear. The shop also carries athletic wear and accessories, such as socks and water bottles and swim goggles. All this professional help and inventory right here, without having to travel to a chain store.