The recent sale of the "Old Cobblestone Store" at Bouckville Corners is of interest throughout Central New York, not only because of its unique appearance but because of its historical interest. An item on the history of the Cobblestone Stone appeared in the Oneida Democratic-Union last week. The article follows:
Moses Maynard and family came from the east early in 1800, and settled in the vicinity of Bouckville. About 1840 he built the present hotel known as 'White House.' About 1850, he built the cobblestone store. Mr. Maynard was the chief instigator. Mrs. Maynard, commonly called 'Aunt Polly' made the remark that if it could be built eight sided, they would help finance the building.
Ira Burham and son, Linidorf operated the store until the opening of the Civil War in 1861. Deacon William Coolidge succeeded the Messrs. Burnhams and continued until his death in 1875. He was also postmaster and the post office was in the store.
Purchased in 1875
Lewis E. Coe purchased the building in 1876 and he operated it for several years as well as being postmaster. Later he took into partnership, H.D. Brockett. The firm was then known as Coe & Brockett. After Mr. Coe's death in 1897, Mr. Brockett carried on alone until 1911. Then Charles M. Coe, son of Lewis T. Coe, purchased the property.
A.F. White was manager for a number of years. Mr. White was succeeded by Mrs. J.M. Daniels who ably filled the position. Mr. Brockett continued as postmaster, moving the post office into what is known now as the Pierce Auto Parts.
The store was owned by the Coe family for 64 years. During that time it as operated as a general store. The stock tried, consisting of nearly everything from peanuts, needles and silk to mowing machines. It was also a very popular place when the old canal boars operated on the Chenango Canal.
In hop times, it was the scene of great activity, the farmers bills sometimes amounting to hundreds of dollars. It also housed the post office for many years and was also the first local telephone exchange. At one time, from its cupola, weather signals were displayed for the benefit of the farmers.
Octagonal in Shape
The building is octagonal, unique in design, containing a dark room. The original double doors with the pulley from the third floor, in the back, were where the molasses and vinegar barrels were hoisted up. Many genial clerks, too numerous to mention by name, have served the public over the counters of this store.
After Mr. Brockett left the store, he continued on as postmaster of Bouckville, moving the post office into what is now known as the Pierce auto used parts, until his death on January 14, 1934.
About the same time the Cobblestone store was built, the cobblestone house now occupied by Glen Washburn and the red brick house, occupied by Mrs. Elsie Washburn, were also erected.
In its last change of hands, early in 1940, Robert Palmiter purchased the property and has remodeled it so far as possible to its original style. He will use it as an antique store. Among other restorations are some of the original doors and windows and the cupola.