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HISTORY
History of the
Tuftonboro General Store
As written by an anonymous writer, ca. 1900
This stand of building is situated at the very center of the
town. At the
present time there is a large two story house, stable, shed
and two story store. The house was built first, about 100
years ago, it then being a flat roof house. A little later the
store was built by Deacon Leathers for the sum of $100
dollars. The first store keeper was Daniel Pickering. Then it
was sold to Samuel Leavitt; he accumulated quite a fortune
here and continues in business until his death. The property
was then sold to Abel Haley and Andrew S Hersey. At this time
Hersey made many improvements on the buildings. Many people
came from different parts of the country to see this set of
buildings, for there was not another set in the country to
compete with them. In a bout two years Haley and Hersey
dissolved the partnership.
About the year 1860 Albert W Wiggin, went into partnership
with Hersey. They remained together three or four years.
During this time there was a shoe shop in the second story
where shoes were made by hand.
In the years of the '70s, A.L. Hersey and A.W. Doe did an
extensive poultry business. Mr. Hersey was postmaster for
forty-eight years. He had one son, Frank A. Hersey who always
remained with him so that when old age came on he was well
fitted to take up the burden of life that the father was about
to lay down. He died in the year 1895, a sheaf that was ripe
and ready for the harvest. Frank A. began to do business in
his own name and has a very good trade at the present time. He
carries a line of dry and fancy goods and also groceries. He
is fortunate that the telephone and town library are also
here.
The house has recently been repainted by its present owner,
Mrs. Annie M Thompson. The elm tree that is near the corner of
the store was planted by Col. David Piper about 80 years ago,
it then being about the size of a hoe handle.
Greg and Teri Heppe present owners since 1999.
Jim and Marla Doran 1995-1999
Liz Clements 1989-1995
Steve Deuso 1981?-1989
Tom and Sue Covell 1976-1981
Nat and Art Lourie 1960s
Natt Hodgdon owned the store in the 1940's
Frank Hersey owned and operated the store until
approximately 1920.
Andrew Hersey/A. Doe 1870s
Andrew Hersey/Wiggins 1860-1863 or 64
Andrew Hersey/Abel Haley
Samuel Leavitt
Daniel Pickering
If anyone has photos or additional information on the
history of the store or house, we would love to add it
to our scrapbook and/or website. Please
contact us.
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