The Kezar Falls Hardware Store

 

We continue our series of looking at the old original Kezar Falls businesses and public buildings that still exist by crossing the bridge to the Parsonsfield side of the village. Let’s start with #23 Federal Road – The Kezar Falls Hardware Store.

The Kezar Falls Hardware Store as it looks today –

now owned by Peter Cormier.

From a deed search and according to a ledger acquired by the Hiram Historical Society, Sutton Edgecomb was the earliest owner of this store starting in 1848. He ran  a combination grocery and hardware store here until his death in 1884.   W.D. Davis owned it next and also ran a Post Office here as postmaster from at least 1887 - 1892.  He was followed by Frank Edgecomb. During Frank Edgecomb’s ownership an ell was added to the side of the building. Then E.R. Bachelder ran the store until about 1908. 

Will Norton bought the store in 1908 and continued the hardware business until he died in 1932 after which Neil Hamilton and Clarence Sawyer took over the store.

Norton Hardware as it looked in the 1940’s and 50’s.

The Hamilton family lived in the large apartment on the second floor.  Neil’s wife, Mavis ran a small “Five & Dime” in the back corner of the store and Frank Shaw ran a barbershop in the small addition with the lower roof on the front. 

About 1962 Roger Stanley and Charles Mitchell purchased the property and ran a hardware and propane business here until 2000.  Two apartments were on the second floor and a laundromat replaced the barbershop.  In 1988 a fire destroyed all but the floor and front wall on the first floor and the hardware was rebuilt as a single-story building to look as it does today.  

Greg Schick purchased the building in 2000 and continued to run it as the Kezar Falls Hardware until his death in 2013.  It was then purchased by the current owner, Peter Cormier and the Kezar Falls Hardware “lives on” to serve the community today.

****************************************************************************************** The Parsonsfield-Porter Historical Society wishes the happiest of holidays and a bright and Happy New Year 

for all our members and friends.