The Never Summer Trading Company Breathes New Life into an “Odd” Historic Landmark

The Never Summer Trading Company Breathes New Life into an “Odd” Historic Landmark

The Odd Fellows Hall in Walden, CO has been a beloved fixture of Main Street for over a century. This stone building was quarried out of local sandstone in 1912 and over the decades has only had one owner—until now.  One of the things people who visit North Park will tell you is that Walden never changes. During the last ten years, Main Street has seen plenty of changes. Welcome the Never Summer Trading Company, which brings a unique shopping experience to Jackson County.

Originally located at Mansker Station, south of Walden, CO, the Never Summer Trading Company Has found a new home in an old, and “Odd” location. With much more floor space, this mercantile is the culmination of curated giftware from around the world, locally sourced artisan creations, and unique items you won’t find in boutique stores, even in high-priced resort towns over the mountains. The Never Summer Trading Co. has character in abundance, and much of that comes from its new home. 

A North Park Icon Gets a Facelift

The Odd Fellows hall has changed hands and another generation gets to enjoy this grand old building which rises over the turn of the 20th Century brick and false front buildings. Since December 2023, the Never Summer Trading Company has set up shop in the International Order of Odd Fellows building, occupying the ground floor and breathing some new life into this historic landmark of Walden, CO. As a piece of North Park’s history, the Odd Fellows building has seen many years pass, yet still has a lot of life left in it.

Stepping into the Never Summer Trading Co. might look more familiar to someone from the 1920s than it would from the last fifty years. A full remodel of the shop has revealed the original pressed tin ceilings, matching them with rustic recovered barnwood paneling and fixtures that evoke the spirit of the West. A model train with trestles rides the rails overhead. An ever-evolving collection of inventory invites visitors to discover something new anytime they walk through the door. 

The storefront is beautiful to behold. Visitors will come to see this well-preserved early 20th century IOOF meeting hall, and stay for treasures they find inside.

Decor, Fashion, and Function

Over 100 lines of merchandise entice visitors with anything from hats and jewelry to fashion forward handbags, Peruvian alpaca, and Western wear. Local vendors, consignment, photography, and creations made by artisans from around the world can be found at the Never Summer Trading Co. Locally sourced fur, handwoven rugs, throws and pillows, bison belts and so much more will fit in nicely with your Western aesthetic. 

Manager and lifetime local, Vicky Escobedo is always on the lookout for that next thing that customers are going to love. She has redirected her talents as a local chef and baker to understanding what customers are looking for to suit their needs. From handcrafted gifts to holistic, her goal is to find something for everybody and provide an ever-flowing and evolving inventory of function and beauty. 

Whether you want to add that perfect piece of decor to your mountain cabin retreat, or find that perfect something for home, you’ll find it here.

A Western Boutique with Class

The Never Summer Trading Company features an eclectic look with high-end clothing, giftware, and jewelry. Visitors can choose from this vast selection for their friends, or indulge for themselves. Western style hats, scarves, jackets and wraps, and handmade jewelry are balanced with decorative items. If you are headed to the Neversummer Jam! Rodeo Street Dance and other festivities, check out the selection of Oaxacan earrings and other handmade turquoise jewelry to make your outfit pop!

Here are just a few of the things you will find at Never Summer Trading Co.:

• Western style cowboy hats
• Handcrafted handbags
• Blankets and throws
• Zapotec turquoise jewelry
• Hand-crafted pocket knives
• Indian jewelry
• Handmade glassware
• Local photography, postcards, and prints
• Health and beauty 
• Fashion forward accessories and clothing
• Kids clothes
• Peruvian wool and alpaca fabrics
• Local furs and pelts
• Toys, games, and more!

For Ranch and Riding the Range

Whether you are here for the Neversummer Rodeo or working hard on the range, you can still look good when you are doing the work. You would have to drive for hours to find stuff this good. Why wait for days and days for an online order or waste the gas when you can get it locally?

• Saddle blankets and pads: The Never Summer Trading Co. has you covered when it comes to saddle blankets and pads. Not only are they beautiful to look at, they are built to last and make your ride more comfortable. Stay in the saddle longer and look good while you are doing it.
• Leather care: Treat and protect your boots, saddles, and leather goods with a selection of high-quality leather soaps, waterproofing, and conditioners you’ll find here.
• Work gloves: Never Summer Trading Co. has some of the best leather work gloves for the job, in just about any size. When it’s time to get your hands dirty, treat yourself to what the pros use.
• Hat bands: You’ll find a selection of hand-beaded creations that will set your look apart from the rest. Or deck out your favorite Stetson for cowboy church or nights on the town.

Getting Outside with Never Summer Trading Co.

Each year thousands of people come to North Park, and Walden is often a stop along the way to a once-in-a-lifetime outdoors experience. Never Summer Trading Co. Has outdoor gear, guides, and accessories for the young and old. Any outdoorsman knows that no camping trip or backpacking adventure is complete without forgetting to pack something. For those little details to make your camping and backpacking experience better, Never Summer Trading Co. Just might have what you need.

For the kids looking for something to do during your long fishing trip weekend in the Colorado Rocky Mountains, Never Summer Trading Co. Has a wide selection of young explorer kits for the kids. They can learn about insects, geology, and have lots of fun—without having to be on their phones. For rainy days at the cabin, pick up a board game or puzzle for the whole family.

Travel Guides for North Park

Speaking of phones, North Park is one of the more remote and isolated places to visit in Colorado. Cellular service is sketchy at best, especially in campgrounds and wilderness areas. Guide books are an essential part of discovering more about North Park without the benefit of just being able to look something up on your phone. They don’t require batteries and last a long time. Never Summer Trading Co. Has a large assortment of travel guides and maps for the area. Pick up a few for this trip to Walden, CO or to inspire you for future visits to North Park.

Christmas All-Year-Long

The snow-capped mountains surrounding North Park just might make you think about Christmas any time of year you decide to visit. Never Summer Trading Company boasts a collection of exquisite X-mas decorations and ornaments for the holiday seas–or Christmas in July. In December, Santa himself makes a special visit to hear what you have on your wishlist and to sit for pictures with the kids.

Stop by for the Fur Kids

Don’t think for a moment the Never Summer Trading Company has left out your best friend. Treat your fur-baby to chews, toys, and accessories for being such a good boy or girl on that long mountain drive. From bowls and balls to squeaky toys and treats, your pooch will thank you for stopping.

Stretch your legs at Hanson Bark, err…Hanson Park, before getting back on the road. Just be sure to watch for moose and be sure to pick up after your pets.

Something for Everyone in a Place Like No Other

Whether it’s a quality gift to celebrate a special occasion or that little something you’ve seen and just can’t live without, there’s a good chance you’ll find it at Never Summer Trading Co. Every time you stop by and look through one of our local businesses, you are supporting real families and the entrepreneurial spirit. A visit to Never Summer Trading Company means the extra treat of getting to experience a remnant of the Old West in a time capsule from another era. 

Enjoy your visit to Never Summer Trading Co. And its ever-changing selection of unique gifts and crafts you won’t find all in one place anywhere else. Stop by to avoid the crowds and prices of resort towns and take a piece of North Park back home with you to commemorate your adventure. 

Visit Never Summer Trading Company online on Facebook. Call (970) 723-3249 for store hours and other information. 448 Main Street, Walden, CO.