A downtown Edgartown staple for nearly half a century, the menswear store Sundog has closed. But the shop’s wares won’t go down with its storefront.
A downtown Edgartown staple for nearly half a century, the menswear store Sundog has closed. But the shop’s wares won’t go down with its storefront, thanks to a donation of the entire inventory to a nonprofit startup thrift store in Vineyard Haven.
All the Sundog inventory was donated to Act Two, a new thrift store on Main street Vineyard Haven. Business was brisk at the store Monday.
All the Sundog inventory was donated to Act Two, a new thrift store on Main street Vineyard Haven. Business was brisk at the store Monday.
Originating in Cambridge in 1970, Sundog moved to Martha’s Vineyard in 1976 and operated at 41 Main Street for 36 years, owner Frank Folts told the Gazette by phone Monday.
The business hopped around Edgartown in its first years on the Island, existing at times where familiar businesses such as the Wharf Pub and Black Dog are now located, before settling at 41 Main Street. For most of Mr. Folts’s time there, the building was owned by Larry Levine, an Island businessman.
“The best landlord I ever had,” Mr. Folts said.
Despite problems with the building that occasionally interrupted business, Mr. Folts said Mr. Levine was a good friend to him and to Sundog.
Mr. Levine died in 2018 and his daughter Sarah Levine inherited the building. This year Mr. Folts said he learned that he had lost his decades-long lease at the property, forcing him to close the business.
“We’ve pondered what to do,” he said. “This has been my life.”
With a background in advertising, Mr. Folts ran a series of eye-catching ads in the Gazette over the years, including the well-known Sundog countdown to spring that began every winter.
He spoke about the changing nature of Main street over time, with the arrival of more franchised stores and fewer sole proprietor establishments.
“The commercialization of the Island has been rather intense,” Mr. Folts said, adding that he was unsure whether there was still time to reverse the trend.
Empty shelves inside the old Sundog store.
Empty shelves inside the old Sundog store.
“I think it’s unfortunate what has happened,” he said.
Mr. Folts had famously resisted holding sales at Sundog for years.
But in a letter sent to the Gazette, he wrote that the business had planned to belatedly commemorate Sundog’s 50th anniversary with a sale. First the sale was delayed in 2020 and 2021 by the pandemic. Then came the lost lease, he wrote.
In the wake of the Sundog closure, Mr. Folts has donated all the store’s inventory — including its familiar decorations and window dressings — to Act Two Secondhand Store, a startup nonprofit thrift shop on Main street Vineyard Haven.
The donation is a tribute to the late Vineyard scrimshaw artists Don MacDonald and Tom DeMont, Mr. Folts wrote, adding that he hoped it would help the Island and also jump start Act Two’s mission to benefit arts and education on the Island. Founded by Alissa Keenan and Kevin Ryan, the store was doing a brisk business Monday afternoon. In his letter Mr. Folts said it will satisfy a need once met by the Boys and Girls Club Second Hand Store, previously located in Edgartown.
“It was a substantial monetary gift for all intents and purposes,” he told the Gazette, speaking about the donation.
But he said Sundog’s story may not end here.
“I’m still considering relocating,” he said. Describing himself as a patient man, he said he will wait to see which way the wind blows.
“It takes a lot of energy,” he said, speaking about owning a business. “I am 88 years old — and full of fire and vinegar, of course.”
Comments
Take it easy baby.
Andrew T BostonTake it easy baby.
I am SO sorry to read this
Debra Gaines EdgartownI am SO sorry to read this and would love to let you know that to this day, my husband Warren & I are grateful to your son Frank for offering our son Daniel his first job. It was a very special opportunity and a time of growth for our son which we will always appreciate. Then there was also that influence of style that you imparted upon him.
I will also reach out Helayne with a very special photograph I took of your window over the holiday. So happy I did that & happy to pass it on to you. Reading breaks my heart, though I wish you all the beat and hope to see Frank Jr. & Helayne creating and selling beautiful art together.
What a shame. Sundog is an
Scorched Earth Up-island bud used to live on Sherrif’s Lane growing upWhat a shame. Sundog is an island tradition and staple of Main Street. It is a unique boutique with hand chosen inventory that fit the Vineyard, especially on a rainy day. My mother purchased me a white Irish Fisherman from there in college which I nearly destroyed at a Ramones concert. I loved the smell in that beloved shop and will remember it always.
Sheriff's lane and the
august west edgartownSheriff's lane and the Ramones in the same comment! Henry Beetle Hough stopped spinning, just for a second.
When each of my sons
TAD ChappyWhen each of my sons completed the fifth grade, they were allowed to pick out a knife from the handsome display case at Sundog to carry responsibly when fishing. The boys are older now and cherish their knives dearly.
I love this.
EmilyI love this.
Good old dogs dream of lions
Mhg West Tisbury, MA / Redmond, WAGood old dogs dream of lions on the beach
How sad! Another Island
Amy EdgartownHow sad! Another Island treasure gone
When each of my sons
TAD ChappyWhen each of my sons completed the fifth grade, they were allowed to pick out a knife from the handsome display case at Sundog to carry responsibly when fishing. The boys are older now and cherish their knives dearly.
Please; Say it ain't so...
Michael OB and Boca RatonPlease; Say it ain't so...
Oh Lord.
Loved your store and
Frank Brunelle Vineyard HavenLoved your store and everything about it. I was planning on doing some shopping there so this is a surprise. And you are right about Larry Levine. He was the best landlord I ever had also. And what a great way to close up shop.
It appears all good things
Lorraine EdgartownIt appears all good things come to an end. I sent many family and houseguests there over the decades and have a few pieces in my own closet. May good fortune follow you.
My neighbors had a summer
Alfred Saratoga SpringsMy neighbors had a summer home on Old County, my first tie die came from Sundog. Many summers lasted until Christmas, I remember walking past The Sundog after the Bill Buckner ankle shot! You are a legend hope to see you soon!
Every good dog knows the sun
Sandra Scheuer EdgartownEvery good dog knows the sun also rises in a new location. We can hope!
Amen .....come on, 88 years
Susan of OB CTAmen .....come on, 88 years of maturity -- years to keep your vision, your community engagement going -- and contributing Sun Dogs products to 2nd chance org. -- superb!
Well, this is a sad day but
Mary Dee EdgartownWell, this is a sad day but what a wonderful way to pay it forward by donating inventory! Fly softly and hopefully another new treasure will join the downtown.
The finest mens store…the
Richard Kalb Palm Beach, FloridaThe finest mens store…the best sound track delivered by vintage stereo gear…and the nicest staff…always ready to help…and share a tale or two…I will certainly miss my yearly visit…unique in so many ways…contrarian…and classy…thanks for some fine threads Frank.
I’ll always cherish the
Warren Bobrow Morristown, NJI’ll always cherish the memories and the classic clothing that resided within.
Of course the Jazz. To be is to Bop.
Please find a new location.
Don Westchester CountyPlease find a new location. My first place to go once on the island. Quality clothing and accessories that could not be found anywhere else on the island. Let me know if and when you relocate. Shame on the landlord not understanding the store's history and stature on the island
We are so sad to hear this
Sandy and Jane Putnam Edgartown and New JerseyWe are so sad to hear this news! You are a landmark and a one of a kind! What will we do next Christmas? Thank you for all you have given us and Edgartown ❤️
I have shopped there for over
Joe Barkett EdgartownI have shopped there for over 30 years. The best mens store ever with the very best staff. I would just stop in to talk and shop. Thank you Frank and Sundog.
Without hesitation, the
Alton Cole Cape CodWithout hesitation, the finest haberdashery I have ever had the pleasure to visit !!!
I still have my pinky ring
Marty Nadler Margate FLI still have my pinky ring with
the ship on it from Tommy and
my favorite sweater from Sun
Dog is due for dry cleaning.
Two great Vineyard
Memories.
I still have my pinky ring
Marty Nadler Margate FLI still have my pinky ring with
the ship on it from Tommy and
my favorite sweater from Sun
Dog is due for dry cleaning.
Two great Vineyard
Memories.
I still wear the hat I
Steve Tucker Pembroke, NHI still wear the hat I purchased there in the early eighties. I always made a visit to Sundog in the summer.loved it!
My Dad love the Sun Dog and
Ann Graham Manchester vermontMy Dad love the Sun Dog and Tom Dumont. Their spirit and yours may be able counter the winds of change. Your generous donation to supporting the island second hand traditions is a start.
For some reason one summer, I
Frank Gesualdo Huntington, NYFor some reason one summer, I felt I needed a Bowler Hat. The only place I knew I could find one was at the Sun Dog!
For 27 years our staple of
Rob, Luke and Simon Hunting Valley OhioFor 27 years our staple of mens fine clothing combined with friendly and knowledgeable service but mostly the extreme quality of your clothing. Thank You and Hopes to see you somewhere further on down the road … You will be missed….
A Sun Dog's tail never lies!
Paulli D EdgartownA Sun Dog's tail never lies! Best wishes for your next endeavor.
Sundog's Frank and the store
MDW EdgartownSundog's Frank and the store's eclectic charm have for decades been a draw for our family. That he has chosen to pay his successes forward with so generous a contribution is beyond words, but perfectly in keeping with his gentle manner.
This is sad but not
Dean CharetteThis is sad but not unexpected. Eventually the cost of doing business will force owners to choose; serving the Island community or serving themselves and their families. So sad
I always visited your Store
Rudy Sanibel Island FloridaI always visited your Store First. I will Treasure My Every Good Dog Knows.
So...who has ponied up for
Mr. B. ChilmarkSo...who has ponied up for the new lease? What shall we see there in the coming months? Why wasn't the lease renewed? National Enquirer minds want to know!
Sun Dog was the first stop
Jana SicilianoSun Dog was the first stop every summer for the softest tees with the wittiest slogans. Always cool, always fun. Pls find a new location! If you build it, we will come!
Tasteful, humorous and well
Peter J EdgartownTasteful, humorous and well made gear. A wonderful place that will be missed. It seems the chains always win: Visit Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica (J Crew, Lululemon, Urban Outfitters), Sloan Square London (J Crew, Ralph Lauren...), Harvard Sq. (J Crew again, Patagonia, Allbirds...). The local stores build the character and traffic and then are pushed out by "offers they can't refuse" from the chains to the landlords). Money win, and then as Buckaroo Banzai said, "Wherever you go... there you are."
We remember when Sun Dog was
Marion and Simon West TisburyWe remember when Sun Dog was next to the Great Put-On,
Lower Main Street…and there was an hair dressing salon across the street!
Such fun days, and later Sun Dog was indispensable for outfitting our son
We always knew we could find what we needed at Sun Dog.
We are very sad to see you go!
Landlord "Larry" Levine
Harland Gibbs EdgartownLandlord "Larry" Levine always made friends of his tenants. Always fair. So long Sundog. Keep up the good work.
So sad to read this. I have
Elizabeth Edgartown and Jupiter FLSo sad to read this. I have purchased items at Sun Dog since I was a young mother. Father's Day gifts, teenage sons coming of age gifts, a collared shirt for a houseguest. Nothing but the finest materials and enduring styles. The sales staff were so professional and helpful. The experience of shopping there, or even simply browsing, was the real treasure. Sun Dog was to menswear what Edgartown Scrimshaw Gallery and Tom DeMont were to island culture.
The finest men's store in
Bob C Littleton COThe finest men's store in America. I loved everything in the place. I wish I had purchased more now.
Very sad. Absolutely terrific
Stephen Kleinman Edgartown/ BostonVery sad. Absolutely terrific men’s store-my personal favorite. And the wonderful jazz playing in the background. And Mr. Folts. Terrific gentleman.
Cannot be replaced in any meaningful way by a chain store.
A sad day for Edgartown
Carolann Clynes Summit, New JerseyA sad day for Edgartown losing Sun Dog. I've heard stories of individual proprietorships in New York City and other large cities losing their leases to international boutique companies who can more easily pay those huge uptown prices. I am saddened to learn there are greedy property owners in Edgartown who behave the same way. My heart is with Frank Folts who ran a wonderful shop providing well-made merchandise all the while providing a smile and some good words as part of his great service. Sun Dog now joins Tashtego, Mercier's Market, Vineyard Haven's Bramhall & Dunn and others still so alive in the memories of us old-timers who knew and loved the Vineyard when.
A sad trend. I remember Take
Andrew T. BotstonA sad trend. I remember Take It Easy Baby once a mainstay in OB. Then there was Lee’s also in OB where locals could meet for breakfast before heading out for a day’s work. It closed to be replaced by a sunglasses franchise. Still have a Sun Dog shirt. The collar is frayed but I just can’t throw it out.
i know everyone on the street
tuna edgartowni know everyone on the street will miss you and your wonderful store. i hope you find a new location and wish you the best of luck!
thank you for remembering my
Ernest Osborn Derry NH,thank you for remembering my old friend Don MacDonald and i will miss your store.
Best men's clothing store
Pam Kaczer Cheshire, CTBest men's clothing store ever, such wonderful selection, styles and quality. Always had exactly what one needed. A real landmark in Edgartown - I'm so sorry to see this well-run establishment close its doors - a tribute to consistently providing just what its customers wanted.
Sun Dog was my immediate
Alida O’Loughlin Oak BluffsSun Dog was my immediate neighbor on Brattle Street for many years - I was delighted to find Frank Foltz again on Main St. when I moved here. Sun Dog was always the store for that special birthday present for a man who “doesn’t want anything” - Frank, what do we do now?
Frank and Bev afforded me the
Craig Pieringer Lake Oswego, OregonFrank and Bev afforded me the best summer of my life in 1982. Every good dog knows Duty, Honor, Country. Long live Sun Dog.
We bought our first Vineyard
Diane Kretschmann Chilmark and Greenwich CTWe bought our first Vineyard home in 1979 and have been customers of Sundog ever since. No visit to the Island was complete without a visit to this cherished establishment, and no shopping excursion was complete without a long and interesting conversation with Frank and his capable staff. I have always been envious of the broad and rich selection of mens clothing and wished that I could find a comparable establishment somewhere in the world! The majority of my husband’s wardrobe is from this wonderful store, from his shoes straight through to overcoats. I do hope that a new location is found and we can once again enjoy the joy of shopping in a place where civility and good taste reign.
I worked at the SunDog with
Andy T. West HavenI worked at the SunDog with Frank and Greg. It felt like family. Its so sad to read all of this, however, knowing that the wares are going to startup thrift store is perfect. Thabk you Frank, Frank Sr, Greg, Beverly and Helayne. I maynot be ablt to stop in and fold cloths with you anymore. But i can still swing by
Unbelievably another
NCS NYCUnbelievably another wonderful establishment is gone from our beloved Vineyard. I have been going to Sundog for close to 20 years and it was always a must when visiting the island. So many great purchases made throughout the years and the quality of these items have stood the test of time.
I am scared to see what big franchise store will open up there just like Lulu lemon has on Main Street. What the Vineyard needs is more support for mom and pop stores, who value the quality of their products and their clientele. It’s truly sad to see how the Vineyard is changing with all these McMansions going up and all these amazing old time stores closing their doors. I guess what has happened to the east end of Long Island, the Hamptons, is happening here. They’ve ruined that wonderful idyllic place by doing the same there and now have their eyes on the Vineyard. How sad indeed!
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