Timeline of The Store at Five Corners – 1760–present
We respectfully acknowledge that The Store at Five Corners stands on the ancestral homelands of the Stockbridge-Munsee Mohicans, who are the Indigenous peoples of the region now called Williamstown. Following tremendous hardship after being forced from their valued homelands, they continued as a sovereign Tribal Nation in Wisconsin, which is where they reside today. We pay honor and respect to their ancestors past and present as we commit to building a more inclusive and equitable space for all.
1700s
~1760
Early settler Isaac Stratton builds a log cabin on this site (near current historic marker in front of the Store).
~1779
Samuel and Hannah Sloan buy Isaac Stratton's land and build "Sloan's Tavern", adding rooms for travelers in the late 1700s. This is the same structure you are entering when you step into the Store at Five Corners!
~1790
George Washington, accompanied by Congressman William Smith, rides from Lebanon Springs, NY, to Bennington, VT, stopping at Sloan's Tavern.
1800s
~1827
First United States Post Office in Williamstown is located in the Tavern, now owned by Nathan Rossiter.
~1833–1865
The second story is expanded by John Jordan and the appearance of the building is enhanced in the popular Greek Revival style. This change allows for Town Meetings to be held in "the South Part".
~1875–1905
Owner Charles Sabin renames the building "Sabin House" and adds a wing at the back to house visitors and families coming to see their sons at the nearby Greylock Institute (formerly the Mills School).
[PHOTO NEEDED: Sabin House]
1900s
1905
The Sabin House is sold to Thomas and Jane Steele who make it a home for themselves and their 10 children. After the closure of Morey General Store across the street, the Steeles begin to sell bread from their home. Eventually, their home becomes "Steele's Store" and the Five Corners intersection becomes known as "Steele's Corners".
1915
The Store also becomes a US Post Office when proprietor Jane Steele, an Irish immigrant, is appointed the first postmistress in the United States by Theodore Roosevelt. She serves until her death in 1930.
[PHOTOS NEEDED: Steele's Store sign]
1924
Steele's Store is moved back from the roadway by 25 teams of horses pulling the building over logs and placing it over a pre-dug cellar. This work is accomplished in three days by the effort of neighbors and other volunteers.
1930s
During the Depression, Thomas and Jane's son Jim Steele becomes the proprietor and is well known for his generosity. He keeps a box full of IOUs that he never collects. The front porch has rocking chairs and soda bottles that children bring into the Store and exchange for penny candy. When they leave, Mr. Steele puts the bottles back out to be redeemed again. The Store opens when he gets up in the morning and closes when he goes to bed.
Mid-1900s
Gas pumps are installed at the front of the Store, as well as ice cream and hot dog stands to serve the increasing number of motoring tourists.
[PHOTOS NEEDED: gas pumps]
1978
The Store becomes at risk for demolition and replacement by a fast food enterprise. William Vanderbilt (former Governor of Rhode Island) and his wife Helen purchase the Store and rename it "The Store at Five Corners".
1993
The Five Corners Historic District receives formal recognition, based on the historic significance of several buildings in the neighborhood, and is added to the National Register of Historic Places. The Store is the only remaining publicly accessible building that links us to the earliest published history of South Williamstown.
2000s
2000s–2020
The Store changes ownership several times and eventually closes during the summer of 2020 due to economic challenges related to the Covid pandemic. The Store lies dormant for nearly two years, falling into disrepair, and again faces potential demolition. The Store property is for sale as part of a larger set of parcels including a neighboring farm and extensive pastures.
October 2021
A local community group, the South Williamstown Community Association, conducts a survey to gauge interest in having the community purchase the Store to preserve and revitalize it. Responses show overwhelming support for this concept. Read the full survey results.
November 2021
A small group of residents form a new 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization called The Store at Five Corners Stewardship Association, Inc. (SAFCSA) with the stated mission of purchasing, preserving, and revitalizing this historic building for future generations to enjoy.
January 2022
With generous support from over 300 residents and a Town grant, SAFCSA purchases the Store and begins renovations in preparation for leasing the building to a Store operator. Major projects include replacing a two-story column supporting the front facade and adding a mobility access ramp. For more details about SAFCSA's restoration work, see Saving the Store.
[PHOTO NEEDED: yellow banner]
2022–2025
SAFCSA leases the Store to chef Corey Wentworth who reopens the general store, café, and gathering space for the community.
[PHOTO NEEDED: green "NOW OPEN" banner]
2024
SAFCSA mounts an exhibit of 25 photos and maps, showing the evolution of the Store and the surrounding village that once existed at this historic crossroads, now comprising the Five Corners Historic District. This exhibit becomes a permanent feature of the Store, bringing to life the long and colorful history of the neighborhood. For more details about the photo exhibit, see A Living Museum.
2026
SAFCSA leases the Store to siblings Colleen and Sean Taylor, with deep roots in hospitality and a love for community, who once again invite locals and visitors alike into this historic gathering place to buy groceries and supplies, enjoy refreshments and meals, and host small gatherings.