“Mung Bean” did not exist in Boothbay Harbor in 1975. I know, because I checked! The shop did exist, however, in a small way in Coopers Mills. It was Sue and Steve's original location and their initial attempt to launch a business for classic American crafts – a brother and sister act.

Steve built some wooden items for sale and Sue created fabric art. They soon realized a need for more space and began a search for a better location. Slim pickin’s back then. Nothing in Camden, Rockland, Rockport, etc. However, Boothbay Harbor offered some promise, and ultimately a great location. In 1977 the present “Mung Bean” location at 37 Townsend Ave. (next to First Federal Savings Bank) opened. They started out small but the building provided good opportunity for expansion.

And expand it has! Now the entire downstairs is packed with an amazing variety of wonderful things, all from American craftspeople. Mung Bean is celebrating 45 years of representing over 300 artists, “easily Maine's oldest exclusively American-made crafts store,” say Sue and Steve. One stop by the store will convince you! The variety of items is astounding. It’s a must-see for all who visit the area and a favorite repeat stop for many returnees. Even Rhiannon Giddens stops in whenever she visits the Opera House to perform. I think it’s the Maine maple syrup that tops her list, among other delights.

I have always been curious about the store's name. “Mung Bean” is an unusual name for a business, but catchy. According to the company website, www.mungbeanmaine.com, the name came from the tiny green beans Sue and Steve sprouted for vegetarian dishes. Glad they didn't call it “Ginger Root” or “Broccoli stem!”

We've known Sue and Steve since the opening of the Boothbay Harbor store, lo those many years ago. In the early years, and even now, they carry our cards and calendars. In 1977, we all were a bit “wet behind the ears” trying to figure out how to survive the very short season of that time. Labor Day was about it for the season back then. But Sue and Steve were smart and patient. They committed to a year round season! Not many shops back then, especially newbies, were willing to bite the bullets of late fall and long winter. But, in the very long run, it has paid off. Shoppers can shop online, too, which has lengthened everybody's season.

When you have a chance, pop in and say hi. It’s a fun visit, even if you don't purchase anything. Mung Bean has become a cozy family, too. Staff is friendly and the owners may very well be found restocking the shelves or vacuuming. The atmosphere is home-like. Not like our home – much more pulled together with fewer things to trip over!