Goodbye to the Irreplaceable

Downtown Books and Purl, the best little bookstore in the Florida Panhandle

For more than two decades, Downtown Books and Purl was my first stop in Apalachicola when I drove to Indian Pass.

I’d take a right on Avenue D at the post office then another onto Commerce, and there it was: the best little bookstore in the Florida panhandle, a priceless hub for writers and readers from everywhere.

It was a comfort and a joy to see proprietor Dale Julian standing beside the small counter when I entered her jingling door. The fragrance of scented candles and quiet, smooth jazz filled the air.

She’d have emailed me ahead to bring a dozen copies of the anthology Between Two Rivers: Stories from the Red Hills to the Gulf, or Unspoiled: Florida Writers Speak for the Gulf, or to sign a shipment of my other works that she had ordered from her distributor.

She’d set me up at a round table next to the alcove front window, which was filled with handmade baskets and one or more cats stretched out in the sun. Generations of cats: Buddy, Earl Gray, Peanut among them.

Dale taught me which pen was best for inscribing books: the Pilot P-700 fine, and how to use a Square device to accept payments from my customers when I traveled to give talks.

And she hand sold my books in her store and at local fundraisers, readings and book releases. She made it her mission to support and connect with Florida writers (who loved her right back), from Jeff Klinkenberg to Captain Gill Autrey and so many more.

Based on her recommendations, I always found books to buy for myself. She carried “beach reads” for the tourists visiting St. George Island. Everything written about Apalachicola’s history and culture. Jacqueline Winspear, Ann Cleeves and Iona Whishaw. She curated stacks of New York Times Best sellers and a lovely collection for children.

On our last visit, the day she turned the key for the final time and headed home to Carrabelle, my eyes filled with tears as I hugged her goodbye.

She repeated what she’d been telling all her customers and Apalachicola friends: “Please don’t invite me over for dinner or to join a book club after I retire!“ she said.

How grateful I am that she set side that quiet part of herself from 10 am -5 pm, Tuesdays through Saturdays, for 25 years, all for the love of books.

Thank you, Dale Julian. Thank you for all those years. We were so very lucky to have you.