| Thomas Martindale | |
| Birth Date: | 1845 |
| Birth Place: | County Durham, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (now England) |
| Death Date: | 1916 |
| Death Place: | British Columbia, Canada |
| Occupation: | Merchant, grocer, tea importer, author, community leader |
| Known For: | Founder of an early natural foods store in the U.S., health food advocate, and promoter of physical exercise |
| Spouse: | Rosie Crum |
Thomas Martindale (1845–1916) was an English-born American merchant, grocer, tea importer, and author. He founded Martindale and Johnson Thomas Martindale Company, and Martindale's Natural Markets, his stores are thought to be the first natural foods store in the United States. He might be one of the best known grocers in the United States, and in his local city of Philadelphia. Martindale was an advocate of health foods and physical activity, who also supported infrastructure investments and innovations.
Thomas Martindale was born in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (now England) in 1845, and spent early years in Canada.[1] At the age of eight he moved to the United States with his family.[2]
Martindale founded a grocery store in Oil City, Pennsylvania in 1869,[3] and eventually expanded. Some sources state he co-owned the first grocery store in Oil City in 1869, but then bought out his partner. Six years later he established a second store in Philadelphia. The store advertising included educational and instructional content. His grocery store operated as a retail establishment but also had a substantial wholesale business, including imported tea. In 1916, he was one of the largest importers of teas in the United States.
In 1883, Martindale teamed up with William Johnson to open a new grocery store called "Martindale and Johnson" in Philadelphia. They sold liquor in custom decorative whiskey jugs called "Hunter Jugs" produced for their business. Martindale and Johnson stopped producing the liquor jugs in 1920 during prohibition, and they are now collectibles.
Martindale served as the Poor Richard Club's first president, and was a founder of the Philadelphia Trades League.[4] A Strawbridge and Clothier publishing department had published his book, Royal Sport, I Warrant You (1897) and the book was displayed it amongst his "hunting trophies" in the department store window.[5] Martindale was active in political issues facing grocers, such as a proposed bill requiring products be sold by weights and measures in 1911.[6]
He died on a hunting expedition in British Columbia.
A Martindale's Natural Market store in Springfield, Pennsylvania was founded in 1971, and continues in existence.[7] [8] The Martindale family maintained a presence at the store until 1991.
Martindale's former home at 413–415 33rd Street in Philadelphia is listed as part of the Powelton Historic District by the National Register of Historic Places since 1985.[9] [10]