A Brief History...

Courtesy of Ron Patch

The first train entered the town of Chester in 1849. That same year, Coleman Saunders began to build the Chester Market store we all know today as Smitty’s. At the time, the Depot consisted of only a couple of houses and Saunders’ store... Today, we enjoy this historical communtiy brought to life with small business, town offices and long-time residents.

1847

Coleman Saunders moves to Chester, VT and bought the property on Depot Street.

1849

Saunders has the building constructed to be a general store.

1862

Saunder's son, Coleman Jr. takes over the general store business

1892

The general store business is sold to Fred A. Leland, the town sheriff.

1931

Farmer & Son takes over the business.

1940

Store closes temporarily.

1944

Hugh Jameson buys the building and makes additions to expand the store space.

1964

Bob Wilbur purchases the business.

1973

Doris Jameson Eddy and her husband, Herb Eddy take over the business.

1993

Lonnie, Gary, and Brent Lisai opened the store in Chester as a sister market to Lisai's in Bellows Falls.

2020

Garrison Smith bought the business and opened Smitty's Chester Market.