Own a Piece of Downeast Maine History Pre-Civil War Mercantile and Wharf Start Price USD 1,000.00 Current Price USD 26,300.00 Time Left - Bid Count 22 Buy It Now Price - Reserve Price - Start Time Wednesday, August 06, 2008 End Time Friday, September 05, 2008 Location Pembroke, Maine See more about 'Own a Piece of Downeast Maine History' Description Pre-Civil War Mercantile and Wharf.   Established in 1827 by Henry Styles Bridges, the grandfather of Sen. Styles Bridges, the present building was constructed in 1859 when the business outgrew its first quarters across the road where Bridges operated a general store and logging business on the wharf at the head of the tide. An early advertisement in the Eastport Sentinel described the shop's wares as "ship stores and chandlery, dry goods, groceries, notions, boots, shoes [and] hats." The store became "H.S. Bridges and Son" in the 1890's when Earle Leopold Bridges joined his father in the business.   After Earle's early death, the store was sold to Merle and Sadie Fisher who also operated a movie theater on nearby Willow Brook. In 1926 Everitt Fisher became the owner, and eventually Leavitt Hatch purchased a half-interest in the business. Leavitt, and later his son, Kendall, owned the grocery store until it was purchased by Dwight and Joyce Johnson in 1977.   In the days before refrigeration, ice was cut in blocks from the Pennamaquan River and stored between layers of sawdust in an icehouse until needed at the store to chill perishable goods. The original cooler where the ice was stored is still attached to the building. A new addition was added by Dwight Johnson in the mid 1980’s, doubling the size of the store.The original cooler where the ice was stored is still attached to the building. The store comes with three Salt Water Frontage lots at the juncture of the Pembroke River, and Cobscook Bay. A new addition was added by Dwight Johnson in the mid 1980’s, doubling the size of the store.   The store sits on Old Route 1 in Pembroke, Maine Just a few minutes from the Reversing Falls and adjacent to the National Historically Registered family home and birthplace of Dr. Charles Best, (co-discoverer of Insulin). The store comes with three Salt Water Frontage lots at the juncture of the Pembroke River, and Cobscook Bay. Two of the lots are located directly across from the store and the third is slightly further down the inlet on what use to be a wharf. The wharf was used to build scows for the Union Navy during the Civil War.  An adjacent lot on the west boundary, with a 1920’s era home that has been stripped for renovation, can also be negotiated. Both properties have working wells and septic tanks as well as original hardware. There is no zoning requirements on the store and it could be easily converted to a water front home.      On Aug-13-08 at 05:15:31 PDT, seller added the following information: The property consists of 4 lots, (14-27, 91, 93, & 94 as shown on the Town of Pembroke Tax Map 14). Lot 27, with the store, is .57 acres. The remaining 3 waterfront lots make another .24 acres for a total of .81 acres. 2007 taxes for all 4 lots was $ 791.19. We have clear title to the properties with no mortgages, liens, back taxes or any other encumbrances. The additional lot mentioned in the ad (Lot 14-26, is approximately .20 acres and the 2007 taxes for this property was 627.60. We also have clear title to this property with no mortgages, liens, back taxes or any other encumbrances. All properties will come with a clear title. We live in Florida but could make arrangements with family for a showing if we have an exact date and time. The winning bid will receive clear title to the properties and building, and mineral rights. The only restrictions on the properties are on the waterfront lots. There can be no permanent structure erected within 70 feet of the shoreline. As stated in the ad, the house has been gutted on the inside in preparation of insulating and remodeling. The store will also require some work along the back walls. There is a reserve price that must be met by the successful bidder. We are not interested in trades. Originally we intended to retire on these properties, are no longer able to complete the renovation work we started. With a little work, the store could be used as living space.   The wharf was active in the 1800’s, but with time and neglect it has deteriorated badly. The remnant can be seen in the photo of the inlet. Approximately half way up the photo on the left side there is an outcropping that appears to be part of the shoreline. This is where the wharf was located. Logs from the wharf remain but have been covered over by years of vegetation growth.   Structurally the store is sound. The area of the back wall in the older part of the store needs work as does a section of floor at the rear of the new addition.      On Aug-24-08 at 15:24:45 PDT, seller added the following information: Back Click here to Supersize images Click to enlarge image Free auction utilities provided by Auctionpix.co.uk On Sep-03-08 at 10:26:01 PDT, seller added the following information:WE  HAVE  LOWERED  THE RESERVE SO  LET'S  GET  BIDDING !!! Place a Bid!