by Lyssa Papazian
Above: This was the only photo we had that showed the store before its alteration in c. 1890;
Below: Newly found photo showing the pre-1890 store in detail as owned by Corser. Clearly shown are the 8/8 double hung windows, front porch, multiple bulletin boards, a single chimney, the loading dock with hoist, the attached ell with open horse shed under occupied space with 6/6 windows
The extensive space devoted to notice or bulletin boards suggests that the general store really served as the town kiosk and main place of information exchange as well as a social space, much like it does today!
Comparison – Before (left) and after (right) the Victorian makeover of c.1890 by Corser. The renovation added the two deep two-story bay windows connected by porches on both stories. All the older windows were gone and in their place were centered doors, storefront display windows on the first story and 2/2 windows above. The building also acquired a second chimney. Other post-1890 photos show that the loading dock and hoist on the east gable end remained about the same.
The historical society has many historic photos showing the store after the 1890 renovation thanks to the glass plate negatives of A.M. Corser, store proprietor and prolific photographer. This new found photo is among the rare pre-1890 historic views we have and provides a glimpse of life at the old store in another era.
Store history
The store was built in c.1796 as a general store. It was originally a 1 ½ story building with wares upstairs and lifted with a hoist to an upper window. It was the heart of the small crossroads of the main north-south highway (now US Route 5) and the county road leading west to Newfane where there was industry on the water power of the Sackett’s Brook and a tavern across the street.
In 1853, after the town center and Congregational Church had relocated from the hills down to the store and tavern site, it was raised to a full two stories. The store maintained hay scales in front to weigh wagonloads for farmers. 19th century store account books show that trade of goods and barter was as much a part of the business as cash sales.
Under the ownership of Adelbert Corser in the 1890s it was refurbished as described above with its two porches flanked by deep display windows – which became its iconic look for over a century.
The store had always been called by the name of the owner – such as the “Chandler and
Keyes Store” in the mid-19th century or the “S.L. Davis Store” in the early 20th century.
It became known as the “Putney General Store” in the 1970s when Robert Fairchild bought it as his second store and there already was a Fairchild Store in Brattleboro. It has retained this name ever since. After only a short interruption the Putney General Store is still considered the oldest operating general store in Vermont, since 1796.