Just after this story hit stands in our December edition, the sad news came that Cornucopia Gift Shop, which has served Shelter Island for over 40 years, will close Dec. 30 because it is losing its lease. Please join us in celebrating Mary Lou Eichorn in this final chapter of her wonderful store.
Mary Lou and Jordan Eichhorn came to Shelter Island on vacation in 1980 looking for a little rest and recuperation. Originally from Albertson, in Nassau County, the couple had experienced a life-changing moment, with Jordan surviving a heart attack. Little did the Eichhorns know how much that first ferry ride would change their lives.
“Getting off the ferry I said to Jordan, ‘I think we’re meant to be here,’” says Mary Lou. He shook his head and chuckled at his wife’s proclamation, but kismet was indeed in store those first few days. That very weekend, the Eichhorns found their new house and a new career as gift shop owners. They opened Cornucopia Gift Shop in 1981, running it side by side until Jordan passed in 2002.
Since then, for seven days a week, 90-year-old Mary Lou, who’s also a notary public, has continued to run Shelter Island’s oldest and most beloved gift shop — and she may well be the most prolific purveyor of local craftspeople on the East End.
While she’s always carried a little of this or that from nearby vendors, it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic — when suddenly faced with a near halt on deliveries of goods to sell — that local knitters, sewers, artists, writers, jewelry makers and such brought Mary Lou their wares to sell. The shift not only kept her shelves stocked but created a new era for Cornucopia as a hub of unique items that can’t be found anywhere else.
“When the pandemic came, that’s when we went into all the local gifts — I didn’t have to worry about shipping,” Mary Lou says.
But more than baubles, pretty blankets or wood-carved wall art, loyalty is the most valuable commodity at Cornucopia — advice she gratefully accepted years ago from Lenny Bliss, the founder of another local standby.
“He said you can do two things: you can be there for the Islanders or you can raise your prices in the summer,” Mary Lou says. “We chose to always be there for the Islanders.”
While Mary Lou adores the work of each and every artisan in her shop, these are a few of her favorite things.
Favorite fiber artist We have many women on the island who are talented at knitting and crocheting. Phyllis Powers knits sweaters, baby blankets and shawls. I specialize in crocheting and make baby sweaters and things like that — but I’m not as good as Phyllis!
Favorite quilter I carry a beautiful line of baby quilts made by Sharon Morgan. Really, anything that’s sewn, like our potholders and trivets, are made by Sharon. They’re beautiful.
Favorite jewelry maker All the sea glass jewelry we have is specially made by Karen Hunkele. She is very talented! She also makes beautiful crocheted bags from yarn remnants that are very unique.
Favorite Island swag See all the Shelter Island magnets, stickers and greeting cards we carry? Those are all made by Jill Tuthill Albiani. She has Lyme disease and has to have long days of infusions. She started making these during her treatments and they’re very popular and just wonderful.
Favorite wood craft Notice on the wall the pretty pictures that are carved and layered from wood? Those are made by Jen Becker. It’s a traditional German craft called scherenschnitte and they’re very colorful. She makes sunflowers, butterflies and other scenes from nature.
Favorite home décor Former home economics substitute teacher at Shelter Island High School, Christine Hartman, sews all my pillows and tea towels. They all have the names of places or neighborhoods, like Shelter Island, Wades Beach and Westmoreland on them, or have fun sayings like “Take Me to the Beach” or “True North.”
