[2] Martindale was an advocate of health foods and physical activity, who also supported infrastructure investments and innovations.
[2] Thomas Martindale was born in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland (now England) in 1845, and spent early years in Canada.
[3] His grocery store operated as a retail establishment but also had a substantial wholesale business, including imported tea.
[4] Martindale served as the Poor Richard Club's first president,[3] and was a founder of the Philadelphia Trades League.
[6] Martindale was active in political issues facing grocers, such as a proposed bill requiring products be sold by weights and measures in 1911.