See also the Store History
One member, Dennis
Bathory-Kitsz, has written a book about
the history of country stores in Vermont,
due out in September.
In addition to being the hub of the
community, the Taftsville Store also
remains steeped in history.
Each section of the store has a slightly different wood plank pattern, reflecting the changes as the building grew, but the wood is original. Some of the antiques lining the walls come from long-defunct local tool manufacturers when Taftsville was a thriving industrial center.
At its center was an active railway. Charlie still has the official ticket stamp from the railroad office, and it is set to the very last date that the railway was used. He also has an impressive collection of Taft Tools axe heads, including a broad axe that could take down a big tree.
“He’s trying to be, in a quiet way, a very responsible citizen and member of the community and that is what the country store ethos is,” Anne Adams said. “He won’t talk about what he’s done to help people in the town, because he doesn’t beat his own drum,” she added. “He’s an interesting combination of a person who is a merchandiser. On the other hand he is helping people and the environment.”
Writer:Jennifer Pierce
Photography: Jack Rowell
Adpated from a Woodstock Magazine feature, Fall 2008
Published by:
Mountain View Publishing, LLC
135 Lyme Rd
Hanover, NH 03755
The Taftsville Country Store
404 Route 4
Taftsville, VT 05073
(802) 457-1135
(800) 854-0013
8 am - 6 pm, until 5 pm during winter