Strafford General Store
I can't imagine Strafford without Coburns' store. I've shopped in our town store for almost a century, and I hope it will serve the town for another hundred years.
- Hazel Lewis, age 102
The first project of the Trust is to preserve the economic vitality of Strafford village by purchasing Coburns' General Store, preventing its discontinuation when the Coburn family retires sometime in 2024. The 100-year-old store lies in the heart of the village and is a vital community resource that is our grocery store and the hub of our town. It is a place of business, with a bank and post office, food, gas and laundry. But, more than that, our store is the glue that helps Strafford villagers stick together, offering news and conversation, notice of new babies and achievements, package drop-offs, after school snacks, bulletin board postings, bake sales and public notices.
Our general store is where we connect.
The Strafford Community Trust has an option agreement to buy the store (find out more here!). Now, we need to find a new, community-minded proprietor to carry on the 100 year old tradition of shop keeping in the heart of our town. Interested? GREAT! Find out more about our proprietor search HERE! You can also help us secure our purchase by donating here.
This wonderful store sells as much of our Strafford Creamery milk as the big Hanover Co-op. Having such a well-stocked store in town has saved me more times than I can count. And I love it that there is always a table available for bake sales and raffles.
-Amy Huyffer, business owner
Coburns' General Store is a foundational part of Strafford. Connections to other people are created and strengthened with every visit. It is a place which gives meaning and depth to our community.
-Cabot Teachout, attorney
Our store is our community center and essential to daily life in our town. One reason the store is significant is the convenience. It allows people to easily find what they need, and ice cream.
Punka Brown, contractor
There isn’t a restaurant or bar for miles. The main gathering spot is Coburns’ General Store in South Strafford. ... There’s also a branch of Mascoma Bank in a little kiosk inside the store. Mr. Kahan’s fans have lately been showing up there, asking to take selfies with Melvin Coburn, the proprietor, whose voice can be heard on his song "The View Between Villages."
-The New York Times