Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-07-12
AN OLD TIMER.
"reminiscences Of 4 Veteran Maine Trade
As Related to Kennebec Journal Re-
porter.

The oldest merchant in Livermore Fails
also the oldest resident in town is Uncle
Comfort Pettengill, who built and stocked
the first store in this place in May $780, over
fifty-eight years ago. Mr.. Pettengill is still
engaged in trade and has been continually
from that time up to the present day.
The Journal reporter called on Mr.. P. to-
day, and learned the following interesting
facts. The store occupied BY Mr.. Penengill
at so early date was built ard stocked By
himself, and Sas located ar the foot Of Mill
Hin There are now no stores in that vicinity
but as this was the only store in town at that
time it made but little difference what the
location was. Mr.. Pettengill traded herr
until the big freshet" in siarch 1916, when
the river below this point was blockaded will
ice and the water rising, overfiowed carrying
away both stock and building. At thu
time. Mr.. Pettengill informs US, traders in
Maine bought wolf skins, and having stock
of about 100 on hand at this time los, them
ALL"
did you build again, Mr.. Pettengill,
asked the scribe.
Yes, built another store at once and
stocking it commenced business again on the
same spot. Traded there number of years
and then moved up here where | am now.
This store you now stand in is the same old
building"
Liquors were at that period sold freely
by every trader, we're they not?a
go yes indeed lots of it,"
What kind did you sell principally, Mr.,
Pettengili?"
well, there was not even license law at
that time, and everybody had what they
wanted. | sold mostly brandy for $3.50 "a
gallon, Holland gin for 81 90 and American
gin at so to 70 cents per gallon. Good new
rum sold for % cents.
Mr.. p. also said, II used to buy large quaint
ties of produce and prices we're lower than at
any time since you can remember, young man.
Why | have sent tons and tons of nice
butter to Boston for IL IL cents. Cheese
That was called good price at that time.
Eggs were plenty at six cents per dozen"
II believe there was no railroad here at
that time. How did you obtain your goodsT
mo; there was no railroad in this vicinity
Our mail used to go and come from Halo
well by stage; passengers the same. took
the boat from that point for Boston. when in
pursuit of goods, or carrying any to market"
You we're the only trader here at that
time"
Yes; for years my store was the only one
for miles around, and all those stores you
see round here have been built. Business
has come and the place has grown from
nearly two or three houses to a large and
thriving village but have kert right along
in the same way for nearly sixty years, and
shall probably do so until get through with
this world"
"How old are you, Mr.. Pettengill?" the
scribe asked.
Il was born in the town of Fayette was
brought up there, and came in 1880 to this
place, where it has since been my home"
Mr. Pettengill is now one of the most
wealthy citizens in Livermore Falls, and has
been a hard working man But now, owing
to his old age, is able to do but little. His
son, Charles, stays in the store. as he says to
keep his father company and save him the
hard lifts Is there an older merchant in
Androseoggin county, or one that has had
more successive years in trade than Mr..
Pettengill?