06/03/2026
🪻The Thistle Celebrates 50 Years in Downtown Cody 🪻✨️
The Thistle is proud to celebrate 50 years of business in the heart of downtown Cody. What a remarkable milestone for one of the community’s most beloved gift stores.
Established in 1976 by Betsy McGee, The Thistle has become a treasured destination for both locals and visitors from around the world. Known for its unique gifts, welcoming atmosphere, and deep connection to the community, the store has remained a downtown staple for five decades. Its original location was in a little 400 sq foot house behind the old Shoshone Office Supply. They then moved into a space on Sheridan Ave, currently occupied by Simpson/Gallagher Gallery and shared this space with a florist, Gary Martoglio. The Thistle moved into its current location in 1985. Betsy said, "I'm so pleased it has continued. The quality of products and community support makes me so proud of all the woman owners. It's a special place."
Over the past 50 years, The Thistle has had only six additional female owners, each helping shape the store’s legacy while preserving its warm and personal touch: Linda Schilling, Susie Freed, Deb Reilly, Carol Bell, Sarah Mikesell Growney, and current owner Donna-Lynn Murray.
“The Thistle has always been more than a store,” said Murray. “It’s a place where relationships are built, milestones are celebrated, and generations of families return year after year.”
From wedding and baby gifts to holiday traditions and heartfelt keepsakes, The Thistle has played a meaningful role in the lives of countless customers. Its extraordinary support from the local community, combined with loyal tourists who make the store part of their Cody experience, has helped sustain the business through five decades of change and growth. Carol Bell said it perfectly, "I loved the way owning the Thistle made me a part of the community in a new way. I watched kids grow up, helped them choose gifts for their mom on Mother’s Day and books for themselves. I met so many great people and I learned how vital small businesses and people dedicated to shopping locally are to our community."
As The Thistle celebrates this golden anniversary, it also celebrates the people who have supported it along the way. Our customers, staff, families, and the community continue to make downtown Cody such a special place.
The Thistle looks forward to continuing its tradition of service, connection, and community for generations to come
Please come help us celebrate all day on June 4th. We will have champagne and cup cakes, door prizes, give-aways and a special 50% off reward for a lucky shopper. There will be a block party on 13th St. from 5pm-7pm. So come on down for music, food and lots of festivities from many of our local small businesses at this end of town.
Previous owner, Sarah Mikesell Growney says, "I am just so thrilled to come to Cody to celebrate fifty years with the current and previous owners that have made this shop the gem it is and to get to hug all of the wonderful patrons we built lifetime friendships with."
