In June, 1877, a reporter from the Harwich Independent walked down the Main Street in West Dennis
For orientation, the reporter was walking east to west through the business district. He starts at Zadoc Crowell's on the north side of the road, just before it turns slightly to the right, to run down the main street. He would have just passed Obed Baker's (the house with the columns – still there – on his left):
Last Saturday afternoon as we were out upon a walk to gather a few items for the Independent, the thought entered our mind to look in at the different places of trade in this village, and from them we might get an item for the paper. We accordingly acted upon the thought, and shortly after, we had entered Mr. Zadok Crowell's store. Many of the people like to trade with "Uncle Zadok" as they call him, for they well know that he always keeps on hand a first class stock of Dry Goods and Groceries, and, also, he is always sure to have a pleasant word for every one.
From "Uncle Zadok's" we entered the tin-shop which is kept by Mr. Samuel Chase. Here we found "Sam." as the boys call him, hard at work. We looked around his shop, and came to the conclusion that "Sam." has a shop which is well filled with a good assortment as can be found in any tin shop on the Cape. The large share of patronage which he gets shows that the people like his goods and prices too.
We next stepped into the furniture warerooms of Mr. T.T. Baxter, and found the gentleman busy, waiting upon his customers. We went from one room to another, and as we passed along noticed furniture of all kinds from the elegantly carved black walnut sett, to the wash tub and pounding barrel. Mr. Baxter understands his business thoroughly, and if any one wishes to have any repairing done in the furniture line, he knows that "Thacher" can do the work well and always has his prices to suit the times.
Crossing the street, we entered the Boot & Shoe store of Mr. Thomas Baxter. We noticed that his stock of boots and shoes was large, and learned that trade is very good with him. In fact, we have often heard it said by the people here, that if you wanted to get a good fit in the boot and shoe line, call upon "Tommy."
The store in the foreground, on the corner, was the Thomas Baxter's shoe and boot store before John Baxter opened his jewelry store in 1879 (two years after the reporter's walk). Miss Chase, the dressmaker, would have been upstairs. I think this photo was taken about 33 years after the reporter's visit. The map in the 1880 Atlas of Barnstable County suggests the first two buildings were there in this period, but the second two were built later, replacing earlier structures.
Noticing a pair of stairs in the rear part of the store, which led to the second floor, we at once ascended them and somewhat to our surprise became aware from the dress patterns hanging upon the walls that we had entered a dressmaker's establishment; we had hardly recovered from our surprise, when we heard the pleasant voice of Miss Eunice Chase, the dress maker, who bade us welcome. Informing the lady that we were out upon a Reporter's duty, we were at once shown about her room, and after examining her stock of patterns, came to the conclusion that Miss Chase is prepared to give all the ladies who may call upon her, a perfect fit in the dressmaking line.
We then passed into Mr. Sylvester F. Baker's Harness rooms. Mr. Baker gave us a cordial welcome and upon looking around his rooms, we found that "S.F." as we often hear him called, is doing business upon a large scale. We saw several good looking harnesses hanging up, all of which can be bought at very low prices. We would say to those who are in need of a good harness to call and see Mr. Baker before buying elsewhere.
Recrossing the street, we went into Hiram D. Loring's store. Here we found quite a number of customers, and Mr. Loring and his two clerks busily engaged waiting upon them. All who trade with "Hiram" go away well satisfied, for he deals in first-class goods.
Passing out of Mr. Loring's we entered Mr. Wilbur K. Kelley's grocery store. We found here also trade quite lively; and that "Wilbur" sells as low as the lowest, is well known by the customers that buy of him.
From Mr. Kelley's we went into the clothing house of Messrs. Obed A. Baker & Co., and after examining the stock of clothing in this store and learning the prices, we were satisfied that in buying clothing at this house, we can do better than to buy in Boston. "Obed" the tailor, who is connected with this firm, is a first class cutter; all of the goods that go from his hands are warranted to fit; if they do not fit the money will be refunded. Save your money by buying of O.A. Baker & Co.
We next entered Mrs. Jenks Millinery rooms, and at once realized that the people were satisfied with her style of hats, trimmings and prices; we judged from the large number of ladies that were present, who were examining and purchasing hats. Mrs. Jenks informed us that she had been very busy since "opening day" showing that the ladies like her prices.
Stepping into the next door, we found Mr. James H. Jenks, the marble worker, who was busily engaged upon a nice looking head stone. Mr. Jenks is a first class workman and all of his prices are very reasonable.
James Jenks had the store behind the grey front on the left; the Dennis Historical Society has a postcard showing his store, probably 20-25 years later. The reporter was walking from east to west, or from right to left across this photo. Does that mean that Jenks' millinery store was behind the white storefront in the center, and that the Obed Baker & Co. sold clothes in the store on the right?
We next called upon Mr. Solomon F. Davis, who keeps a large assortment of boots and shoes. All of the young men know where to go when they want a pair of boots made. They know that "Saulie" can get them up in good style and as reasonable as any one, too.
We again crossed the street and entered the grain store of Henry C. Sturgis. Here we found "Henry" at work putting up corn which he had just sold. Upon inquiry we learned of Mr. Sturgis that since he had opened his- store, trade had been exceedingly good with him. Flour, corn, meal, feed, all can be bought of him at hard pan prices.
We recrossed the street once more and going just beyond the church entered the tin shop owned by Mr. Parlow. We noticed the marks left by the fire fiend, but was glad to know that Mr. Parlow is again in working order. He, also, has a good assortment and all who buy of him are satisfied with their goods.
We then came out upon the street feeling satisfied with our afternoon calls, and also came to this conclusion, that people have no need of going out of town to purchase any goods in the line that we have mentioned; but that by staying in town and buying of the above named parties they will save money. E.D.H.
Postscript: Z. Crowell is shown on the 1880 Atlas of Barnstable County, as are several of the other businesses. Some businesses mentioned by the reporter (T.T. Baxter's) don't show up on that map. The reporter doesn't list all the businesses that were present in West Dennis.
Source: The article was reprinted in the Barnstable Patriot of June 18, 1877 (page 1).
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