Gardner's Store, Dennysville, Maine
In 1871, A.L.R. Gardner began operating a general store where a Union store had previously stood on the banks of the Dennys River. He was assisted by two of his four sons, Edwin R. and Fred L. In addition to handling the usual merchandise of a county store, the Gardners were dealers of coal, grain, stoves, shingles (pine, spruce and cedar), farm implements, as well as crockery, agateware, and even fine Austrian china. Also, during the summer months, there was a soda fountain. Following the death of their father in 1902, the sons took responsibility for the business, first Edwin, and then, after his death in 1918, Fred became clerk, treasurer and manager, while his brother Charles served as president. Fred's son Louis continued the business after his father died in 1944, assisted by Max Gardner and Norman Crosby making deliveries by truck. The store was eventually closed and the building razed in 1961.
