Effort underway to save Little York landmark featured in Mellencamp’s “Pink Houses”

A recent photo of the building. Photo credit: Gary Moody.

Efforts are underway to restore Little York’s historic 1918 Masonic lodge, a building that once housed Moody’s Grocery and later appeared in a music video by John “Cougar” Mellencamp.

The two-story structure became immortalized in classic rock history in 1983 when scenes from Mellencamp’s “Pink Houses” video were filmed at Moody’s Grocery.

The store, operated for many years by Ralph Moody, served as a local gathering place before closing. After Moody’s death, groceries and sandwiches continued to be sold at the nearby Little York Store until it was destroyed by fire in 2017.

Ike Combs and Ralph Moody, circa 1971. Photo credit: Ron Moody.

The store, circa 1971. Photo credit: Ron Moody.

Ralph Moody’s younger cousin, Gary Moody, is leading the current effort to restore the original building, which has been vacant for years and sustained water damage due to a leaky roof. Plans for the project include reopening a grocery store along with a café and community space.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched with a goal of $1,800 to help begin repairs, with a total goal of $5,000. More information is available by searching “Please help save Moody’s Grocery” on GoFundMe.com or by visiting this link.