The Harrisville General Store, 1838

The business of storekeeping in Harrisville has, for the most part, been one of private ownership, not company stores. So this building, possibly built by Cyrus Harris, has seen many storekeepers in its 170 years of existence. On Church Hill overlooking the brook and the mills, it has played an important role in Harrisville, especially so in earlier times when trips out of town were rarely made. It was built in the heyday of Greek Revival architecture and has elements, on a vernacular scale, of a Greek temple: the gable end turned to the front; a cornice return at the attic level that suggests a pediment; granite lintels; and a columned porch.

In 2000, the building was purchased by Historic Harrisville and was judiciously renovated to preserve most of its original building fabric, including the tapered columns. Large windows bring light into the first floor, which today houses a grocery store/café. A 2-story addition was added to the rear of the building. It included Eagle Hall on the second floor, which was vital for town meetings, Saturday night dances, and other private and public gatherings.

Learn more at HarrisvilleGeneralStore.com

Owned by Historic Harrisville, Inc.