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	This is the tale of the long sordid history of the Last Square.

The Last Square opened in 1995 with 2500 square feet of space. While most was devoted, of course, to retail merchandise – there were specific design features put into place to encourage the “people” end of the hobby. For example, chairs were scattered about the shop encouraging folks to sit and read – or perhaps to help someone wait patiently while somebody else shopped. Aisles were made especially wide to encourage a feeling of open-ness, while at the same time keeping items accessible to all. A permanent strategy gaming area was set up with a large gaming-height table (composed of smaller tables for maximum flexibility.)

Many people have asked how The Last Square got it’s name. Karl at one time came across an article in the Life magazine about military historical art. He said he was quite taken by an image called “The Last Square”, which showed fallen soldiers after the battle of Waterloo. Karl thought the concept of the square formation in battle, intended to keep soldiers in a position where if they held side by side they could conceivably protect themselves from cavalry charges, was a positive image fostering teamwork and comraderie.

The original shop has expanded three times since 1995 – now encompassing 6200 square feet. With the first and second expansion we started adding fantasy games and miniatures to our (at that point) strictly historical store. The third expansion allowed us to open our doors to plastic kits and models, trains and rockets. Each expansion also allowed the shop to carry more lines of paints, more board games, more hobby tools – more everything.