The Hitchcock Store closed its doors in 1961 after 125 years of service to the village
In 1836 Benjamin F. McNitt, following a stint as a country school teacher, commenced to manufacture and sell hats and caps. His store was located at what is now 71 East Main Street, the left most building in the photo. Later, McNitt added boots and shoes and ready-made clothing to his line.
In 1875 at the age of 17, my great grandfather, William L Hitchcock came to work for Mr. McNitt as his clerk. Hitchcock bought out the business in 1885 and married McNitt’s daughter, Charlotte, in 1889.
In 1899 William erected the Hitchcock Building at 79 East Main, the right most building in the photo. His son, Herman, came to work at the store in 1914 following his graduation from Union College.
When William died in 1920, Herman assumed ownership of the store from his father. When Herman died in 1950, his son-in-law (my father), Ken Gottry Sr, took over the business. Eventually the Hitchcock Store couldn’t compete with the big city stores and had to close its doors in 1961. In 1967 Walt Kinnin purchased the store in order to expand his pharmacy, formerly owned by Jimmy Legrys.