Your correspondent started writing “Then & Now” columns 35 years ago, first for The Berkshire Courier, then for The Berkshire Record, and for the past six years for this fine newspaper. During winters with lots of snow (like this year), it is challenging to locate snowy vintage photos that will work with the “then and now” format. But with relentless research, I continue to find them.
The winter scene shown above was taken in the 1960s at Hall’s General Store, Esso Gas Station, and Post Office on Route 23 in East Otis.
The store was operated by Ida (Humason) Hall, her husband William Hall, and later her son Arnold Hall. She started the business before World War I and moved to this location about 1920. She also operated the post office here from 1936 until 1964, when her son took over.
According to a 1976 article by reporter Stephen Fay, Mrs. Hall was still selling coffee for 10 cents a cup, plus a penny tax. Known for her dry sense of humor, Hall worked hard to keep her many customers happy. She lived above her store, so even after hours, she would re-open for those needing food or supplies. The business, in its heyday, was a combination grocery-drug-liquor-hardware emporium, along with gas pumps and a soda fountain. The store was later operated by Ida Hall’s nephew Donald Chafee and his wife Evelyn. By 1986, the post office was without a postmaster but was served by numerous officers-in-charge. Susan Derryberry took over as postmaster in 1993 and then moved to a new, much larger post office just down the street in 1998. Presently, the store is closed and the building serves as a residence.
