Downtown Stores c. 1892

Downtown Stores c. 1892. Wiscasset, Maine. , 19^th-early 20^th century downtown Wiscasset provided for all your basic needs and more. In 1898, there were 11 grocers, 3 doctors, 2 apothecaries, 3 fancy and dry goods stores, 2 hardware stores, 4 dressmakers, 2 hair dressers, a telephone company, a telegraph office, an American Express office and several banks. By 1905, there was even a Billiard Hall., Old men and boys sat outside the shops and watched the world go by. Retired seaman Fred Bean, seen here c. 1900 in his horse-drawn wagons, transported heavy freight around town and ran an early garbage collection service. W.S. Peaslee's apothecary shop sold the latest Kodak cameras and equipment with their bottles of tonic. D.A. Campbell's market promoted fruits, a confectionery, cigars and tobacco with their groceries., F.S. Perkins Market sold meats and groceries for over 25 years. Here is Ezra Perkins in his butcher's coat around 1913, standing outside the family store while his son Foster is off to make deliveries. Next door, Dickinson's advertises "Meats and Provisions" and Fels-Naptha, a laundry soap that could also remove poison ivy resin and insects from your garden., The stores in downtown Wiscasset will change as times change, but they will always be a vital part of village life., [Photo captions read] , . Foster Perkins delivering groceries, c. 1915., . Fred Bean with wagons, c. 1900.