Business

Henshaw’s Stump and Stone Extractor. Advertisement published in the Essex evening herald, November, late 1800s

The Brighton Garage building has a long and varied history of businesses through the ages. It was a lumber mill owned by the “Lumber Baron” George Fitzgerald in the late 1870s. The building was later a blueberry factory, a furniture-making factory and a dance hall. It became a Chevrolet dealership and garage since 1951. A Place in History

Prior to the arrival of the Grand Trunk Railroad, established in 1853, Island Pond was an isolated farming community. Before the 1850s, Brighton relied on the surrounding forest for money via the Fitzgerald lumber company which had been a leading private business for over 25 years.

Once the railroad arrived, the population and the number of local businesses quickly grew, increasing prosperity.

To name a few: The Stewart House was one of many hotels in Island Pond. It was considered a “World Class” establishment, offering Bath and Billiard rooms as well as a good livery. “Special arrangements made for board by the week.”

At its height, Island Pond had 11 mail distributions a day, mostly by Railway Mail Service, but two were by horse-drawn wagons, travelling through Charleston and/or Morgan.

Rawson and Pottle Drugist. Apothecaries and dealers in drugs, chemicals, fancy goods, paints, oils, varnishes, books, stationary, toilet articles, shears, scissors, knives tobacco and cigars.

Businesses advertised in the Essex County Herald in November 1880, and other businesses. To view more images, please visit us at the Island Pond Museum.

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Vicki Gutherie and her daughter, Sheila on the steps of the Osbourn Hotel.

Vicki Gutherie and her daughter, Sheila on the steps of the Osbourn Hotel.

Al Goulet's Chevrolet Car Dealership.

Al Goulet's Chevrolet Car Dealership.

The Stewart House.

The Stewart House.

Bounding Office. Box car shipments leaving the U.S to cross into Canada or going in Bond from Canada, were sealed by special seals by U.S customs. These men were responsible in assisting customs with the task.

Bounding Office. Box car shipments leaving the U.S to cross into Canada or going in Bond from Canada, were sealed by special seals by U.S customs. These men were responsible in assisting customs with the task.

Mail, Express, stage service, Newport - Island Pond stage in front of the Newport, Boston to Maine station. Don Albie was the driver in 1913 - 1917. He drove earlier stages to Morgan.

Mail, Express, stage service, Newport - Island Pond stage in front of the Newport, Boston to Maine station. Don Albie was the driver in 1913 - 1917. He drove earlier stages to Morgan.

Brighton Garage.

Brighton Garage.

Maroney's store 1920s. Pictured are store proprietor, Steve Maroney and store clerks, Ethel Brunelle, and Martha Jane Smith.

Maroney's store 1920s. Pictured are store proprietor, Steve Maroney and store clerks, Ethel Brunelle, and Martha Jane Smith.

At the turn of the century, three delivery carts on Derby Street in front of Marsh Davis's store. They are, C. R. Andrew delivering milk. W. H. Farr delivering meat, and C. E. Willoughby delivering groceries. The Davis block was razed in the 1930s. (

At the turn of the century, three delivery carts on Derby Street in front of Marsh Davis's store. They are, C. R. Andrew delivering milk. W. H. Farr delivering meat, and C. E. Willoughby delivering groceries. The Davis block was razed in the 1930s. (Blanche Andrews Nicholl collection- Island Pond Historical society, inc photo)

P. H. Coffey Mill House. services included, house painting, wallpaper hanging, and sign and furniture painting.

P. H. Coffey Mill House. services included, house painting, wallpaper hanging, and sign and furniture painting.

Joseph's clothes store. From left to right: Wm. Joseph, Anthony Joseph, and Dr. Amos Parlin

Joseph's clothes store. From left to right: Wm. Joseph, Anthony Joseph, and Dr. Amos Parlin

Turn of the century Hotel Staff. The Stewart House staff pose with manager on the wooden sidewalk in front of the newly constructed (1904) vehicle passover over the nearly full railroad yard.

Turn of the century Hotel Staff. The Stewart House staff pose with manager on the wooden sidewalk in front of the newly constructed (1904) vehicle passover over the nearly full railroad yard.