Historic Hope: General Store
The General Store at Hope Corner has been in operation for about 165 years. During that time it has been known by the names of its various owners — True, Smith, Ludwig, and Weaver, among them. It was founded by Edward True and Lyman Smith about 1832 in competition with the John Athern store (open from 1822 to the 1860s), diagonally across the road, and constructed on the site of Joel Blood’s 1821 cooper shop. At the time of this photo, it was owned by L.A. Weaver. Note the delivery wagon at the right front. The second floor has served as a public meeting place, a dance hall, and the grange. Currently the second floor serves as an apartment. The store closed for a brief time, but was re-opened by Andrew Stewart, and has resumed its essential place in the affairs of the community.
The Salisburys owned the Hope Store in the '50's and 60's and then was purchased by Mary and Alan Brown in 1964. It was then sold 10 years later to Joy and Earl Pearse. My children grew up in that store and many discussions with the farmers and neighbors ensued sitting on the well polished bench that existed there for many many years. Politics was predominant as the farmers took a break from chores and sipped free hot coffee and local problems also was discussed. Thanks for bringing back pleasant memories.
Mary McKeever Brown, better known as "Mickey".