Past and Present
Browse the digital gallery, showcasing photos and descriptions of past and present Winooski. Descriptions written by Joe Perron. Photos subject to copyright. For more Past and Present photos, follow the Winooski Historical Society on Facebook.
Spring Street
West Spring Street
The North side of West Spring Street in Winooski, as seen ca. 1910 just past the old St Louis Convent. I believe the first house on the right was the longtime home of Cecile Lesage. The next house up has gained a second full story in the subsequent decades, and further down can be seen the brick commercial block which housed Fred Blais' corner market. Just past on the opposite corner of North Street can be seen an elegant Victorian home which I believe burned in the 1970s and has been replaced with a more modern duplex. By Joe Perron- 11/16/23
East Spring Street
A ca. 1910 postcard view of an unpaved East Spring Street showing trolley tracks. On the left with the fenced yard is the elegant brick home of Samuel Bigwood, born in Somerset, England in 1833. As a 16 year old boy, he came to Winooski Falls in 1849 with his father William who had taken employment with the Burlington Woolen Company. Samuel Bigwood learned his trade as a tinsmith in New York and Pennsylvania before returning to Winooski in the 1860s where he became a successful hardware merchant, once in partnership with Ira Allen (not Ethan's brother). Samuel Bigwood was prominent in local politics, and a deacon of the First Baptist Church in Burlington before his passing in 1907. His son Frank carried on the family hardware business and was also a longtime Winooski resident. Just past on the left can be seen the longtime home of the Brault family; and the Graves/Horton house beyond. Postcard image courtesy of the Vermont Historical Society. Special thanks to librarian Marjorie Strong for assistance.
Main Street
Main Street
"Then and Now" of 262 Main Street Winooski showing Craig Jaques in front of his auto body shop which he opened around 1980. The building was later razed in the early 2000s for a Simon's convenience store, but Craig is still doing auto body repairs on Lime Kiln Road in South Burlington.
Lower Main Street
The Winooski Restaurant and Camie's Shoe Shine Parlor located at 28, 30, 32, and 34 Main Street Winooski, as shown in this mid 1970s photo. The Winooski Restaurant was operated by Francis Dixon (1923-1974) for 30 years, and Camie's Shoe Shine Parlor, known for it's back room card games, was operated by Francis "Camie" Cameron (1913-1989).
In more recent years, Champion's Tavern operated by John O'Brien occupied the block, and since 2002 The Monkey House, a bar and music venue have been located in the former Winooski Restaurant space.
Markets
Seymour's Market
A friend recently purchased 118-120 West Spring Street, which renewed my interest in the history of the property. Member Lou Seymour and I have been in communication about his family history there, which once included a small store store operated by his parents. Ernest C. Seymour was born in Holyoke, Mass in 1903, but moved with his family to Winooski at a young age. He married Dolores Dion, with whom he started a family which produced 13 children, 10 living to adulthood. Ernest had a varied career, starting in 1926 as police patrolman and later commissioner, as well as an umpire for the Burlington Northern League Baseball teams and a Winooski City Councilor. In the early 1940's after working for the American Woolen Company, he and his wife became small business owners by opening Seymour's Market in a converted shed set behind their home. According to some relatives cats helped to run the store and home. This store was part of a network of family run markets serving the community, with Julian's, Roy's and Parker's markets each less than a block away. Following the closure of Winooski's textile mills and facing increased competition from larger supermarkets, the Seymour family closed their store in 1954. Mr and Mrs. Seymour moved to Detroit, where Mrs. Seymour had relatives. For several years the Winooski Charity Department used the building as a food shelf for distributing surplus commodities to families in need. In 1960, a toy store called "C&F Enterprises...Winooski's New Toyland" briefly occupied the building, and it appears to have been converted into an accessory dwelling unit shortly after. A pitched roof was added which greatly alters the appearance of the former store.
Tom's Market
Tom's Market was a longtime fixture at 11 Leclair Street for over 30 years.Founded in late August 1949 by Walter "Tom" Brunelle (1905-1975) and his wife Corinne (Richard) Brunelle (1905-1957), Tom was previously employed at his father-in-law's furniture factory on Mallett's Bay Ave. Tom would give kids the ends of bologna to snack onTom was joined by his son Richard (1925-2013) in running the market. In the mid 1980s the store was renamed "Prime Choice Deli Foods", before becoming a branch of Burlington based Jasper's Market (located in the former Vermont Mattress site on Riverside Ave.) In 1996, the business was sold again and became Travinh Market, operated by Loan and Toan Van Truong with a focus on Vietnamese specialty groceries. The building was destroyed by a tragic fire in 2004. The Truong's re-opened their market at 203 N. Winooski Ave in Burlington, and a duplex was constructed on the Tom's Market site.
Lesage's/ Houle's Market
The 1950 photo by Louis McAllister shows Alfred Joseph, “A.J.” Lesage (1892-1964) and his wife Clara (Piche)Lesage (1892-1973) with their 10 children (from left) Ernest, Francis, Alice, Clair (Clara and A.J.), Roger, Leonard, Conrad, Maurice, and Clement (behind steering wheel) and Romeo. Alfred worked in the American Woolen Company Mills before opening his own grocery store in 1924, A.J. Lesage Market at 93 West Street (shown in the 1950 image) beside his family home at 95 West Street. He also ran a fuel oil business until his retirement in 1953, when he and Clara moved up to 215 Weaver Street besides St. Francis Xavier Church in the former Chevrier house. Some folks may recall this was later occupied by son-in-law Willie and daughter Alice (Lesage)Allard (1915-2000.) After retirement, Alfred’s children Alice, Roger, Conrad, and Francis ran the Lesage Grocery and Meat Market, which eventually moved into the converted garage next to the old store until 1966. One person recalls running to the store as a tiny 6 year old and picking up whatever their mom wanted for supper and having it put on their bill. The market was then renamed “Houle’s Market”, run by Eugene J. Houle Jr, (1923-1995) and his wife Harriet (Duval)Houle (1923-2010) until the mid 1990’s. The vacant store buildings were demolished in the early 2000’s and residential units now occupy the site.
Norful's Mini-It-Stop
A mid-1970’s image of Norful’s Min-It Stop at the corner of Main and Burling Street with a Tip Top Bread delivery truck parked out front. The images are from early 1970’s Carillon yearbooks. The store was one of a few which successfully bridged the shift from a neighborhood market to local convenience store. Willam Norful Sr. followed in the footsteps of his father Fred, who had settled in Winooski after emigrating from Syria via North Adams, Mass/Bennington, Vermont. Fred ran a Winooski grocery store for a number of years before passing in 1949. The store was operated by William Norful Sr. and his wife Phyllis, assisted by William’s sister Lorraine, until about 1990. Folks say Lorraine made great grinders. Afterwards it became Kenny’s Kwik Stop. It is now the home of Tiny Thai restaurant. Interestingly the old sign post from Norful’s still remains.
Frank T. Niquette's Market
This 1946 photo from James Detore/UVM Special Collection shows Frank T Niquette’s Market on the corner of Franklin and Lafountain Street. Frank was the father of Russell Niquette who would become well known in Democratic political circles from the 50’s and 60’s. Folks remember a huge penny candy counter and old fashioned mechanical cash register. A dime could buy a set of paper dolls. Beyond the counter was a door leading into a smoky room usually filled with men smoking cigars. The Humpty Dumpty Warehouse was adjacent to the store.
Central Pharmacy prior to Emmons Market
Emmons Market
Central Pharmacy prior to Emmons Market
Emmons Market, 7-11 Market
At the corner of West Allen and Weaver Street stands the Greaney Block built in 1905. Folks might remember the Emmons market 7-11 Market. Albert Mongeon ran a grocery store during the depression. He would have been a millionaire if he had not forgiven the countless unpaid bills according to one of his grandchildren. Bob Blow and wife took over the store as the 7 - 11. The store became Waf’s Deli and later an Asian grocery store.
Boucher's Market
Located at the corner of River and West Street, Henry L. Boucher and his wife Marie (Mongeon)Boucher opened their grocery store. Henry, born in Quebec in 1876,sought a career change after working in the American Woolen Company’s mills as a weaver. They raised a family of 6 children, making their home above the store. Sadly, Henry died in 1949 following a failed operation. Mary continued to run the market with their son Homer until around 1965, when Homer left to operate an IGA store in Vergennes. The space sat vacant until 1970 when it was converted to an apartment and the historic building was destroyed by negligent fire in 2014. A new private dwelling now sits on the site of Boucher’s Market.
L.P. Paris Market
Located at the southeast corner of West Spring and North Street stood another neighborhood market, L.P.Paris Market. Born in Quebec in 1904, Louis Phillippe Paris emigrated to the US, first settling in Montpelier where his mother’s relatives operated granite sheds. In 1936 he married Jeanette Mongeon, a young woman from Winooski and with Jeanette he made his home in the Onion city and began his career as an independent grocer. Paris billed his store in the red brick block at 86 West Spring Street as “The Friendly Neighborhood Store” and raised his family of one son and three daughters in the apartment above the store. The youngest of his daughters, Aline Paris, joined the religious order of Sisters of Mercy in 1965 and would later become the longtime principal of Christ the King School in Burlington and a professor at Trinity College.
Chick's Market
Located at the corner of Hickok and River Street in the “flats” of Winooski. In 1944, Edmund “Chick” Dupont opened his market on West Center Street in the space that now houses Papa Frank’s Italian Restaurant according to the 2/22/23 Seven Days article. A year later, he moved Chick’s to its current corner location, where it quickly turned into the center of heated political debate as well as hot sandwiches. A Winooski native and mill worker, Dupont served three terms as the city’s mayor. He lived with his wife in one of the apartments above Chick’s. In 1982, Dupont sold Chick’s to his nephew and daughter-in-law, Richard and Carole Corbiere in 1999, the Corbieres began looking to retire and offered one of their employees, Pam Vezina the opportunity to purchase Chick’s. Pam and her husband accepted the offer and have run the market for 22 years, becoming beloved neighbors. Pam retired in 2023 and sold the Market and building to Joseph Handy.
Main Street Superette
Located at 155 Main Street, the Superette was opened in 1954 by Henry and Agnes Julian, who ran it for 10 years, retiring in 1964. Clem Potvin’s took over the store and it was known as Potvin’s. Prior to the Main Street Superette there had been a market at this location dating back to 1935 (W.G. Manseau). The building now houses Champlain Farms convenience store
Roy's IGA Market
Roy’s Market located at 126 Weaver Street. Edward Roy was first a milk dealer running a creamery out of the carriage barn behind the store. He took over the market owned by H.B. Carpentier and became a grocer. His son Emile, took over the store with his brother Edward Bernard’s help including making deliveries.Folks share stories that Bernie made home deliveries and would help folks out by picking up their prescriptions to also deliver.
Epstein & Melnick Market
Epstein’s Market was located one up from the Union Hall of Local 579 of the Textile Workers of America which was located on the corner of East Canal and Main Street. Mayer H. Epstein and Samuel Z. Melnick operated their Jewish-owned business in Winooski to serve a handful of Jewish families. They served the entire community for sixty-three years. Find more extensive information about Epstein & Melnick Market in the Historic New England’s More than a Market website.
L.P. Thibault's Meat Market/Vic's Meat Market
L.P. Thibault's Meat Market was owned by Louis Phillip Thibeault on North Street. Vic took over the Meat Market. Folks remember as children buying popsicles, fudgesicles and bubble gum with baseball cards inside.
Germain's Store
Germain's Store owned by Ray & Irene Germaine was located on the corner of East Center Street & Barlow Street facing north. Ray made home deliveries. Folks have fond memories of buying penny candy and cashing in soda bottles for movie money. The store was sold to Fred & Phyllis Norful.
Pool Room
Simard's Pool Room
Simard's Pool Room at 6-8 Main St Winooski, VT is shown in this ca. 1940s image. Following the completion of the Winooski Bridge in 1928, Theophile Simard, also known as "Tuffield Seymour" raised his commercial building 30 inches to make it level with the new road. He also expanded his building 12 feet to the north and 6 feet to the south. After these renovations were completed, in August of 1929 he opened his pool room, which also shared space with a barbershop. Theophile sadly died just a couple years later in 1931, and the business was taken over by his son Aimé. In later years a line of sporting goods was sold as well. In 1951 Aimé sold the pool hall business to focus on renting summer cabins on Mallett's Bay. Aimé Simard passed away in 1962 of a heart attack at the age of 50. Walter Barton later ran a pool hall here, followed by Lapidow's Pawn Shop. In 2001 the building was renovated fully into apartments by Anne Rothwell Gregg of Burlington.
West Allen Street
The Carpentier Block
The Carpentier Block at the corner of West Allen and Main Street is shown behind Police Chief Charlie Barber and Officer Maurice Sourmail in this 1940s image. The brick block was named after Frank Carpentier, born in Lacolle Quebec in 1836 who emigrated to Winooski and operated a store here until a few years before his death in 1929. An A&P grocery store occupied the corner storefront and Marcotte Brothers Pharmacy was located in the block since the late 1890s until the block was sold by the Thabault family to be demolished to clear the site for a new post office in 1961. Also shown in the photo is a Winooski Public Works truck, and servicemen in uniform constructing a stage for a benefit event. Photo courtesy of Pauline and Louise Rocheleau.
West Allen Street
This ca. 1910 postcard view of West Allen Street highlights some of the drastic changes Winooski has undergone in the course of the 20th century. On the right is the original Methodist Church building, constructed in 1860 and destroyed by fire shortly before Christmas in 1917. Beyond that is a wood frame structure and the brick Carpentier Block which was among a cluster of buildings demolished for the new post office in 1963. On the left is an interesting collection of brick and wood frame commercial buildings which through the years held Mintzer's Drug Store, Clavelle's IGA, DePaul's Shoes, and the Strand Theater. All of these buildings were lost either to fire or Urban Renewal destruction. The present City Hall was built on the site of the first two, in front of the old City Hall in the former Congregational Church. The lone survivor of this group in the distance is the stalwart Winooski Block which has majestically stood the test of time.
Lafountain Street
The Armory
Despite the economic setbacks Winooski experienced with the closure of the American Woolen Company’s mills in 1954, the City continued to expand in its northeastern quadrant throughout the 1950-s post war building boom. One of the most significant structures constructed during this decade is the Winooski Armory, built in April 1954 through January 1955 to house the Vermont National Guard’s Service Battery, 206th Field Artillery Battalion and Service Company, 172 Infantry Regiment. The building is one of the 16 similar structures in Vermont constructed in response to the heightened threat of the USSR during the Cold War following the end of conflict in Korea. The 172nd Infantry Regiment was previously located at Fort Ethan Allen Air Force Base, and hosted a recruiting event before moving into its new expanded quarters adjacent to Richard’s Park. Similar armories can be found nearby in Williston and Waterbury near I-89. The brick and cement Winooski Armory was the first of such post-war armories constructed in northern Vermont, and designed in an austere utilitarian “American International” style by Julian Goodrich of the Burlinton architectural firm Whittier and Goodrich. The 12,500 sq ft. Armory was built at a cost 0f $120,000. In addition to its military function the Armory has also served the public as a location for community meetings and town voting, as well as training, trade fairs and even a Teen Center. The building also served as a graduation site for Winooski High School before the new school was built and more recently for COVID testing. By Joseph Perron
