Help Save the Putney General Store

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Please Contribute!

For over 210 years, a general merchandise store existed at the corner of  Route 5 and Kimball Hill in Putney, Vermont. On May 3, 2008, a fire severely damaged the building. The Putney Historical Society, following the apparently unanimous support of over 150 people at an annual meeting, took on the task of rebuilding the historic business. PHS successfully raised over two-thirds (700K) of the roughly 900K we needed. We had a "stretch thermometer" on the store, and a goal of reopening the store on May 3, 2010—the second anniversary of the first fire.

On November 1, 2009, an arsonist burned the oldest general store in Vermont to the ground. Since the fire, we've been working harder than ever, and now need about 100K to achieve our goals. We thank our supporters, and hope some of you will be willing to help.

PHS is a 501(c.)(3) nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible.

Donations can also be sent by mail to:
Putney Historical Society
Town Hall
PO Box 233
Putney, VT 05346

Questions? email info@putneyhistory.us

Project History

In May 2008, a fire severely damaged the store, and brought its owner to sell the building. In September 2008, Putney Historical Society members voted to pursue ownership and reconstruction of the General Store.

On November 7, 2008, we bought it! In a arduous and highly successful grant-seeking process over the past year, we gathered 67K from the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, 200K from the Vermont Community Development Block Grant Program, and 100K from Patrick Leahy and the Vermont Preservation Trust, through a Village Revitalization Grant. We received 10K from the Windham Foundation, and over 100K in community donations, the most impressive and valuable contribution of all.

When the roof trusses went up in January, it was a day of spontaneous celebration—children cheering on the school bus, people honking as they drove by.

The historic Putney General Store building was lost to fire on Sunday November 1, 2009. In the terrible four-alarm fire, 120-140 EMS personnel came. They saved people, and nearby buildings. We are very grateful for their dedication and excellent work.

This was a devastating blow to our community. Our people have come together to grieve, and to support each other. A candlelight vigil was held Nov. 6, 2009, with singing and tears.

Now, with strong and renewed support, we have rebuilt our store!