The Wead Store

An early detailed map of Sheldon village including Bridge Street shows the presence of the D D Wead Store and Post Office immediately west of the railroad. A large store was built by George Maynard in 1884 on the site of the former Wead Store which burned after being an institution in town for many years.  After Mr Marsh entered into partnership with Mr Mayhard they enlarged the store and it became one of the largest general stores in Norther Vermont

 

 

 

The W C Marsh Store

Marsh’s Store was the largest of the dry goods merchants in Sheldon Village. This building burned to the ground in April, 1932,

 

 

 

 

Post Office Square

This image, taken from Church Hill in the village, encompassed the center of Sheldon’s social, commercial and political life until it burned  in April, 1932. Marsh’s store, where Junior’s Harness Shop stands now, was one of three general retail merchants in the village, but also included the movie theater/meeting hall overhead. The Town Clerk’s office, Harlow Mower’s hardware store and tin shop, the barber shop and Post Office were also housed here. The double lane covered bridge was the larger of only two routes across Black Creek. Arthur Draper’s blacksmith shop, in the right foreground, survived the fire that did an estimated $75,000 damage (in 1932 dollars). A steep driveway separated Marsh’s store from the Post Office, barber shop and hardware store to the right.  Movies, meetings and dances were held in the large hall above the store.  The Barber Shop also boasted a pool table.

The Gallup Store – The Thief in the night

 

The Tillotson Store

Barney Tillotson, in front of his store on Bridge Street. There were three active stores in the village at this time, with the Jennison and Gallup store across the street, and the Marsh store across the bridge. This building burned a dozen years ago.