Two Old Hippies
June 2, 2009


Our Story:

We're hippies at heart. Old enough to have been around when the concept of peace, love and harmony inspired a generation of free spirits. Young enough to embrace a world community, where generosity, compassion and equality are a way of life. We celebrate living every day.

We're Tom and Molly. Although our paths didn't cross until later in life, our individual journeys were influenced by the hippie movement of the '60s and all that it stood for. Love was in the air. People cared about each other and the earth that is our home. Rock N' Roll was our soundtrack. It brought us all together. It's with us, still, today.

Two Journeys …

Tom's journey began in Spirit Lake, Iowa. When Beatlemania hit, music became his world. At the tender age of 14, he imported guitars from Japan, stuck his family name on the label and opened Bedell Guitar Company. He sold those guitars to neighborhood kids who were crazy for music and taught them how to play. He produced singles and booked gigs for local bands. Soon a second store was opened and an entrepreneur was born. “That was a glorious time for living,” he reminisces. “We loved our music. It was our life, and not for just those of us who played. It was a time that defined us all.”

While Tom was busy with guitars, Molly was soaking up hippie culture out West, first in California and then in Oregon. As a teenager in Eugene with a passion for Rock N' Roll, she collected record albums as fast as she could save up the cash. “I get teased that I'm a walking encyclopedia of songs, lyrics and recording artists,” she laughs. In addition to music, everything about the colorful alternative lifestyle of the times -- the unconventional clothes, the encouragement of self-expression, the deepening connection with Mother Earth -- struck a cord with Molly's intuitive nature and brought out her creative side. “It inspired the life we lead today,” she says.

…One Destination

Now, with kids grown and “real world” careers behind us, Two Old Hippies is a connection to our roots. Serendipity brought us to the setting. The Great Divide, a funky little Bluegrass guitar and music shop in the heart of Aspen, Colorado, was up for sale. We scooped it up, brought it back to life and filled it with everything we love.

Our love of music is expressed in a collection of premium acoustic guitars, Great Divide Vintage Guitars and the next generation of custom Bedell Guitars. 2OH brings out the hippie in us all with earth-friendly clothing (inspired by Molly's penchant for comfort and color) and accessories, along with thoughtful gifts to share. Rock N' Roll Memorabilia brings us right back to 'the day.' Discoveries from our travels, including fine textiles, artwork and crafts from indigenous cultures, speaks to our One World way of life. Portions of our earnings will be directed back to global communities and individual artists.

But, beyond material things, Two Old Hippies is an outlet for the values and beliefs that two old hippies acquired long ago. Seek peace and harmony for all living things. Inspire community. “Be True” to ourselves. And share in the spirit of Peace, Love & Rock N' Roll.