PORT ANGELES — An era comes to an end this week when Robert Mingram closes The Corps Shop, the military memorabilia store he has operated for more than 11 years at The Landing mall and, later, at 129-B W. First St.
“It’s time. My biggest regret is that the museum didn’t make it,” Mingram said while sitting in his shop as military veterans stopped in to browse the displays.
Mingram said he will continue his military antique displays at The Landing on the Port Angeles waterfront and model airplane displays in the William R. Fairchild International Airport terminal to celebrate military flight.
He is looking forward to working with the Port of Port Angeles on those projects, Mingram said.
But the store closes Wednesday.
Museum and a store
The Corps Shop is a cross between an antiques store and a museum, and offers an up-close look at United States military history.
It contains more than 80,000 pieces of military memorabilia, including uniforms, books and displays dating from the Revolutionary War all the way to the war in Iraq.
Clallam County has more than 10,500 veterans — the largest number of veterans per capita of any county in the state.
Mingram himself served seven years in the U.S. Marine Corps between the Korean and Vietnam wars.
“I want to thank Port Angeles for a very good 11-plus years and I wish the best for every veteran in town, Mingram said.
