Shop Talk : Obama Memories

By Katryn Yerdon
Published: August 27, 2009

You can't help but catch a glimpse of President Obama on the Island this week, even if he never leaves Blue Heron Farm, thanks to the enormous quantity of Obama-related memorabilia for sale and the numerous postings of welcome pictures. If you would like to pick up your very own Obama souvenir tee-shirt, stop in at just about any retail store. If you are a dog lover, as most of us are, you can also buy a Bobama tee-shirt depicting the First Family's dog Bo. And that's just the beginning.

Kevin Butler Gallery's Presidential inaugural medal of Barack Obama. Photo by Katryn Yerdon

If you are on Main Street in Vineyard Haven, like to read and want to learn more about our President, pick up his "Dreams from My Father," or "Audacity of Hope," at Off Main or Bunch Of Grapes. At Bunch of Grapes, you might also enjoy "The Battle for America 2008: The Story of an Extraordinary Election," by Haynes Johnson and Dan Balz, or "Renegade, The Making of a President," by Richard Wolffe. If you have young ones, stop by Mardell's Gift Shop and purchase "Bo, America's Commander in Leash" ($14.95).

While in Vineyard Haven stop by Shibori for the most unusual Obama tee-shirt, a one-of-a-kind tie-dyed high quality cotton shirt ($79), or visit Serenity for a beautiful cotton Obama Hope tapestry ($17.99) that can be used as a wall hanging or curtain. Finally, your collection would not be complete without an Obama eco-tote ($13) or a sarong tablecloth ($27) from Midnight Farm.

If you find yourself in Oak Bluffs, stroll through town or stop in to almost any store to find a President Obama-related item.

In Edgartown on Dock Street go to Soft as a Grape where you'll find Obama tee-shirts for the whole family, even for a 24-month-old baby. Pick up hand soap decorated with a big picture of the President ($6.99), or try the olive oil-based Bo Bar soap. They also have stickers, baseball caps and Obama wooden signs ($19.99).

For what I found to be the most unique memorabilia, visit the Kevin Butler Gallery for the limited edition, Presidential Inaugural Medal. Sculpted by Daniel Altshuler of Gloucester, the three-inch bronze medal features a profile of Barack Obama with the inaugural date on one side and the American Eagle Presidential Crest on the other ($200).

There's no end of choice when it comes to your personal remembrance of the President's visit. Hail to the chief.