“The Lurvey building [the Freeman J. Lurvey building on Main Street] was built as a general store and was conducted by Liston F. Smith for some years. Mr. Smith came to this vicinity some years previous and went over Mount Desert Island with a pedlar's [Sic] cart, calling himself "The Live Yankee." When he settled down to storekeeping- this was on his sign and by this cognomen he was known to most of the people. Later he moved his goods to one of the stores in the basement of the Masonic Hall where he was in business until failing health forced him to retire.” - “Traditions and Records of Southwest Harbor and Somesville, Mount Desert Island, Maine” by Mrs. Seth S. Thornton, 1938, p. 148-149.
Description: “The Lurvey building [the Freeman J. Lurvey building on Main Street] was built as a general store and was conducted by Liston F. Smith for some years. Mr. Smith came to this vicinity some years previous and went over Mount Desert Island with a pedlar's [Sic] cart, calling himself "The Live Yankee." When he settled down to storekeeping- this was on his sign and by this cognomen he was known to most of the people. Later he moved his goods to one of the stores in the basement of the Masonic Hall where he was in business until failing health forced him to retire.” - “Traditions and Records of Southwest Harbor and Somesville, Mount Desert Island, Maine” by Mrs. Seth S. Thornton, 1938, p. 148-149. [show more]
The store sold AMOCO gas at this time as can be seen from the American Oil Company logos on the gas tanks. Other advertised brands are Philco (radios) and Sealtest ice cream. The Reed trucks at the side of the store date from about 1941 to 1960.
Description: The store sold AMOCO gas at this time as can be seen from the American Oil Company logos on the gas tanks. Other advertised brands are Philco (radios) and Sealtest ice cream. The Reed trucks at the side of the store date from about 1941 to 1960.
Description: The Adelbert Alden Gilley house at 12 Maple Lane, Map 6 – Lot 102, Southwest Harbor can be seen in the reflection of the window of the Ralph store.
Photograph taken before renovation and additions in 1938. The Masonic Lodge emblem is at the peak of the roof. The sign over the door says, "General Store - Clothing - Boots & ---"
Description: Photograph taken before renovation and additions in 1938. The Masonic Lodge emblem is at the peak of the roof. The sign over the door says, "General Store - Clothing - Boots & ---"