Conversations with George Mocol

Talking with George...

In the summer of 2008, George Mocol recorded interviews with a number of individuals connected to his family's store.  The interviews offer a unique perspective on Mocol's Supermarket and also capture George's passion for the store and commitment to his community.  Edited versions of the interviews are presented below.

Chuck Anton--"You cut your roots, you die..." 

George and Chuck chat about everything from the importance of place to the strength of George's grandfather, Joe.

Mark Anderson--"Your father did change the world..."

Mark and George sit down to discuss, among other things, the impact Herb Mocol had on local politics.  George also shares a story about a visit from Vice President Walter Mondale.

Richard Meyer--"It was their character that endeared them to people..."

In a wide-ranging conversation, George and Richard discuss everything from Richard's mom "Gert" who worked at Mocol's to Joe Mocol's use of party phone lines for a little free advertising. 

David Mocol--"I have virtually no memory of not being a 'Mocal Boy'..."

Living and running a business in the Twin Cities, David Mocol is not as actively involved with the store as his brothers.  Nevertheless, as his coversation with George makes clear, the store had (and still has) a profound impact on David's life.

Tom Miller--"It even has the same freezer smell as when I was a kid..."

In this short piece, Tom Miller explains how some of his most powerful memories are forever linked with Mocol's.

Smaller Customers--"There's always something going on..."

George steps outside and talks with a few of the many neighborhood kids who frequent Mocol's.

George's Closing Comments--"Deep down people are pretty decent..."

After talking with some of his "smaller customers," George stands in an empty store and reflects a bit on his store and his community.