Thayer’s Store has been operated by
members of the same family since it opened in 1917. On Sunday, August 28,
friends, family and current and former employees gathered at the store for a
celebration for its 99th anniversary.
Judy Quimby and her husband Jim have
owned the store for 31 years. Quimby’s grandfather started the store in 1917
out of his house. Eventually it was moved to its current spot, which was once a
stable. When her grandfather passed away in 1962, Quimby’s father stepped in,
purchasing the store from her grandmother. When her father passed away
unexpectedly in 1985, The Quimbys took over. “We’ve been very family oriented,”
Quimby said. Currently, she added, there are five generations working at the
store.
The small interior of the store was
crowded with well wishers on Sunday morning. The event included raffles,
entertainment and face painting. The fire department was on hand with a truck
to give tours to children who stopped in.
Regular customer Billy Joe Lake provided
entertainment just outside the store. His offer to perform was the inspiration
for the celebration. “He entertains at the nursing homes up the road. He comes
in here and has his supper on his way out,” said Quimby. “He offered to come
and perform here for us, so we thought we’d combine it into a 99th birthday
party,” she said.
The store hit a slow patch for a couple
of years due to construction on River Road, but the regular customers helped
keep them going.
“All of these people who are here today
have been very supportive of us,” Quimby said. The celebration on Sunday drew
these regulars out to help them celebrate, along with family, old school
acquaintances, and former employees, Quimby said. The people are a large part
of why she has stayed in the business so long, Quimby said.
Thayer’s Store is open Monday through
Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m, and on Sundays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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