|
|
Article: A Visit to Hatch's Trading Post: One-Stop Shopping, Navajo Style
- Article from:
- Chicago Sun-Times
- Article date:
- January 7, 1996
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 1996 Chicago Sun-Times. (Hide copyright information)
|
FRUITLAND, N.M. Nothing happens at Hatch's Trading Post until Stewart
Hatch himself opens the door, turns the sign from "Closed" to "Open,"
unlocks the cash drawer. He takes his place behind the counter like
a presiding judge, weight scale on his right, cash register on his
left.
There's a spool of string with its loose end threaded through an
eyelet above him so that he has only to reach up and pull it to
unwind the right length for his customers' purchases. Even a single
box of matches will be tied up neatly with this finishing touch.
There is something of the priest in Stewart Hatch, a keeper of
confidences. Above all, he is a man of his word. Trust is what his
northwest New Mexico ...