Tom Meek Tommy Rodriguez retires next month from ownership of the Montrose Spa in Cambridge’s Neighborhood 9.

A 51-year era draws to an end as Tommy Rodriguez retires from ownership of the Montrose Spa, a bodega that’s become an integral part of its community since coming under his stewardship.

The spa and Rodriguez have seen a lot of change at 1646 Massachusetts Ave. , between Harvard and Porter squares.

“When we first opened,” Rodriguez said, “all we sold was newspapers, magazines and cigarettes.” The area was served by several food marts in 1974 – Evergood , A&P and the Avenue Market – as well as other bodegas, and they were happy at the Montrose selling 500 copies of The Boston Globe and a similar number of The New York Times on a Sunday. Today, he says, he may sell 20 Sunday p

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