Dover in Strafford County, New Hampshire — The American Northeast (New England)

Early 19th Century Storefronts

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 9, 2019

1. Early 19th Century Storefronts Marker

Inscription. These early 19th century storefronts have always been at the heart of Dover's downtown business district. In this ca. 1950 photo (left), is Sweetlands, John N. Vatistas proprietor, which opened in the mid-1940s. By the '70s, still in the Vatistas family, it had expanded to be the Spartan Restaurant and Hotel. Next door to Sweetland's was the famous Ora's Candy Shop, a Dover institution begun in 1945. Previously, at this 368 Central Avenue location, was the Boston Clothing Store from 1917 to 1944. Next on the block, at 370 Central Avenue, is Sanders Cut-Rate Cosmetics, owned by Max Sanders. Also a gift shop, Sanders' spent the 1950s at this location. Previously, it was Hooz's Dress Shop, but they moved to 400 Central Avenue about 1943. On the 2nd floor, at 372 Central Avenue, was the Knights of Columbus Hall, used from about 1917 to 1960. The business at the far right of the photo, S.K. Ames, dealt in butter and eggs and occupied this store from 1936 to 1953 when it became Kennedy Butter and Eggs until 1962. Ora's Candy Shop moved here ca. 1966 and closed ca. 1973.

This photo, ca. 1950, to the right shows McGrail Drugs, started

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by Thomas McGrail, apothecary and pharmacist, at 346 Central Avenue (left side of photo) in 1898. The business remained here through 1963, a remarkable 65 years! Noel's Luncheonette was next door. This popular restaurant opened in the mid-40s and lasted until 1977. Prosperous local attorneys F. Clyde Keefe and Philip C. Keefe led the Keefe & Keefe law firm at 350 Central Avenue for well over a half century. At 354 Central Avenue was James P. Keenan's appliance and electrical store, also selling home and auto supply items. The firm also supplied electrical contractors and occupied this spot from ca. 1924 to 1956. Helene's Dress Store, at 356 Central Avenue, was here mid-40s to 1959 before moving north to 386 Central Avenue (now Nicole's) in 1960. The building at the corner of Orchard Street, now razed, was at various times called Pike's Building, the M&M Building, and the King Building. In this photo, it was home to J. Francis McQuade's Jersey Barber Shop, on the 2nd floor, from about 1935 to 1956. On the ground floor from 1950 to 1960 was Philip A. Casey, an electrical contractor and early television retailer. Previously, 362 Central

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 9, 2019

2. Early 19th Century Storefronts Marker

(looking south • Central Avenue to the left)

Avenue was the site of an M&M Bakery retail location ("the Cleanest Bakery in New England") from about 1930 to 1942. By the 1960s, this location was the home of Quimby's Business Machinery and Office Furniture.

In this photograph from ca. 1950 (below) is Victor Costa's Shoe Store at the far left (now the home of Harvey's Bakery). Under the striped awning is Ray's Shoppe, a popular women's clothing store from ca. 1929-1973, owned by Raymond F. Ouellette. At 382 Central Avenue is the initial location of Harvey's Bakery, opened in the mid-1940s by Harvey Bernier. Ray Guillemette worked for Harvey in high school and bought the business from him in 1954. By 1956, Harvey's Bakery had moved to 376 Central Avenue, its present location. In 1974, the Guillemette family opened Harvey's Coffee Shop right next door at the former Ray's Shoppe. At 386 Central Avenue is Arlen's Ladies' and Children's Wear, Harry Silverman proprietor, which operated from approximately 1940 through 1958. Post-1960, it was Helene's Dress Shop. Prior to 1940, another women's store, The Paris Shoppe, occupied this spot for over 20 years. By 1974, this location was Christine's

Central Avenue Storefronts image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, July 9, 2019

3. Central Avenue Storefronts

House of Hallmark (now Nicole's).

Erected 2015 by Faces of Dover, and Dover Main Street, Inc. (Marker Number 4.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1950.

Location. 43° 11.765′ N, 70° 52.468′ W. Marker is in Dover, New Hampshire, in Strafford County. It is at the intersection of Central Avenue (New Hampshire Route 9) and Waldron Court, on the right when traveling south on Central Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 386 Central Avenue, Dover NH 03820, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on New Hampshire’s Seacoast. It is also in the American Northeast,

in New England,

and on the Eastern Seaboard. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Dover's Early Settlers (within shouting distance

Marker detail: Sweetland’s, Ora’s, Sanders’ and S.K. Ames, circa 1950 image. Click for full size.

Courtesy Thom Hindle Collection

4. Marker detail: Sweetland’s, Ora’s, Sanders’ and S.K. Ames, circa 1950

of this marker); Dover's Black Day (within shouting distance of this marker); Central (Lower) Square (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Dover Mill Girls (about 400 feet away); Dover NH WWII Memorial (about 400 feet away); Central Square (about 500 feet away); The Two Morrill Blocks (about 700 feet away); Dover NH WWI Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dover.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker.

Also see . . . Merchants Row. (Submitted on July 3, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Marker detail: McGrail, Noel’s, Keenan’s, and Helene’s, circa 1950 image. Click for full size.

Courtesy Thom Hindle Collection

5. Marker detail: McGrail, Noel’s, Keenan’s, and Helene’s, circa 1950

Credits. This page was last revised on February 14, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 1,793 times since then and 101 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 3, 2020, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.