Store history detailed

HEBRON — Muriel Cummings Randal of Falmouth Foreside recently briefed the Hebron Historical Society on her family ties to Hebron and the present day “The Storekeepers” business.

With roots in the Marshal and Cummings family ancestries in Hebron she detailed with photos their homesteads and family relationships. In 1923 her parents bought the Hebron General Store from the East Hebron Farmers Union. Though the exact date of the store’s origin is unknown, records show that it was sold by Alonzo Wood in 1880 to Fred Packard.

Owner sequence from that date was to D.M. Needham to Preston Barker to the Farmers Union to Muriel’s father, George Cummings, to John Woodward and later partner Arthur Piippo who ran the store from 1928 until selling it to Arlan and Debbie Saunders in 1976.

The present owners, Lon and Beth Francis, bought the store in 1997 and named it “The Storekeepers” to reflect back over the many owners during the past two centuries.

The store also held a U.S. post office until 1936. Being at a railroad station until the line was discontinued in 1951, the store had a history of providing grain, fertilizer and pesticides to local farmers along with the basic food, sundry items and gasoline which it still does today. Currently it serves pizza, hot sandwiches, meals, take-out food and grocery items as well.

Beth spoke to the Society on a book she had put together showing photos and names of previous owners before introducing guest speaker Randal.

The next Society meeting will feature Jodie McMorrow of McMorrow Auction Co. of Poland. He has conducted his business for nearly 30 years at 48 Mechanic Falls Rd. As a certified appraiser he will describe his business and give appraisals for items attendees bring with them.

The Tuesday, October 23 meeting will begin at 7 p.m. at the town office. The public is invited.