To the editor:
There comes a time when you have to choose between turning the page and closing the book. After 93 years in business, the time has come for Town & Country Clothing and Footwear to close its book, which we will do in December, and for the Hutchinson family to begin a new chapter in life. As we begin this process, we look back with pride and gratitude for many years as an integral part of both Houlton and its downtown business community.
In 1923, Town & Country began its story selling clothing out of a horse-drawn cart, later turning into an Army Navy Surplus store.
In 1958, the store was purchased by Eugene Hutchinson and two other partners, Bernard Hannan and Leigh Stewart from Morris Shapiro. Eugene bought sole ownership in 1974 with his wife Betty, renaming it Town & Country Clothing and Footwear.
Many of you remember Eugene as a community-minded businessman who was as smart as he was kind. With Eugene’s passing in 1986, his son, Stephen, took the business in his own hands, working with his wife, Andrea, and later his daughter, Kathryn, to make Town & Country a true family-run endeavor.
Town & Country will continue to operate throughout the holiday season, closing its doors for the last time on December 24th at 5 p.m. In the New Year, we plan to offer the space for rental and hope that a great new enterprise will soon begin its own story in Houlton’s historic downtown.
To our loyal customers, we extend our deepest gratitude – thank you for being a part of our story over the years. You have made running a successful business in Houlton a rewarding experience, and we will truly miss your support.
We hope that you always remember Town & Country as a family-run business that made giving back to the local community a central part of its mission; we’ve actively supported area schools, community fundraisers and activities, and most of all, the Ark Animal Sanctuary.
It has been an honor and pleasure serving you.
The Hutchinson family
