THE OLD STORES AND THE POST-OFFICE OF GROTON.

By the Hon. Samuel Abbott Green, M.D.


Tradition has preserved little or nothing in regard to the earliest
trading stores of Groton. It is probable, however, that they were kept
in dwelling-houses, by the occupants, who sold articles in common use
for the convenience of the neighborhood, and at the same time pursued
their regular vocations.

Jonas Cutler was keeping a shop on the site of Mr. Gerrish's store,
before the Revolution; and the following notice, signed by him, appears
in The Massachusetts Gazette (Boston), November 28, 1768:--


A THEFT.

Whereas on the 19th or 20th Night of November Instant, the Shop of the
Subscriber was broke open in _Groton_, and from thence was stollen
a large Sum of Cash, viz. four Half Johannes, two Guineas, Two Half
Ditto, One Pistole mill'd, nine Crowns, a Considerable Number of
Dollars, with a considerable Quantity of small Silver & Copper, together
with one Bever Hat, about fifteen Yards of Holland, eleven Bandannas,
blue Ground with white, twelve red ditto with white, Part of a Piece of
Silk Romails, 1 Pair black Worsted Hose, 1 strip'd Cap, 8 or 10 black
barcelona Handkerchiefs, Part of a Piece of red silver'd Ribband, blue
& white do, Part of three Pieces of black Sattin Ribband, Part of three