OTISFIELD — The Otisfield Historical Society’s first program for 2015 will be a roundtable discussion of the town’s general stores, namely those in East Otisfield, Spurrs Corner, Hancockville and Bolsters Mills.
The program will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 16, in the selectmen’s room, or the annex of the Otisfield Town Office Building, following a short business meeting and election of officers.
In the early 20th century, Otisfield had as many as five general stores at one time, located in the several villages in town. Over the years most have disappeared.
Not just a place for families to obtain food, animal feed and gasoline, they were also served as important social centers. The local telephone switchboard was often located in the stores.
The only general store remaining in Otisfield is the one situated close by the Crooked River in Bolsters Mills. A store has existed here since 1834. It is now owned and operated by members of the Day Family and serves residents of both Harrison and Otisfield.
The program’s organizers emphasize that this program will be an information sharing session. They hope that those who remember these stores and their owners will attend the program, bringing with them their recollections, and possibly photos.
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