Few buildings in southeastern Massachusetts have served their community as continuously as the Marion General Store. Erected in 1799 as the Congregational Meeting House for the village of Sippican (then part of Rochester), its second life—as a commercial establishment—is longer than its original religious purpose.
Current evidence indicates the building has been used commercially since 1841 and functioned as a village store under a succession of proprietors whose lives reflected the evolution of Marion itself—from a ship building and fishing port to a summer resort, communication technology center and modern coastal community.
1793 – 1799 The community attempted to raise money for a meeting house. As they struggled, Captain George Bonum Nye purchased the lot and completed the construction.
1799–1841, Congregational Meeting House: 140 Front Street served as the Congregational Meeting House with assigned pews purchased by church members of Sippican Village (a district of Rochester). It functioned as a church, town meeting hall and social gathering place.
1841–1856, Delano’s Hall: Deacon Stephen Delano, considered the first commercial proprietor of the building, purchased the property from Captain Nye and used the space for shops, community meetings, dances and as a public hall after the Church built a new building across the street.
1856–1906, Hadley’s Store: Captain Andrew J. Hadley purchased the property from Stephen Delano for $1000. He is considered the first “general store proprietor” or “founding proprietor” having transformed the business into a true village store selling household goods, flour, provisions for mariners, tea and nails. Upon his father’s death, Peter (called “Peleg” or “Pete”) Hadley took over running the store. During this time, summer visitors and residents shifted Marion’s economy away from ship building and outfitting and welcomed the opening of Tabor Academy.
1906–1916, Luce Dry Goods: New owners William R. Luce and his brother George Luce added clothing, notions and fabrics to the inventory.
1917–1951, Cobb & Hathaway’s Marion General Store: Fred Cobb purchased the property and was soon joined by Charles B. Hathaway. At first the store was referred to as “Cobb and Hathaway” before they adopted the name “The Marion General Store.” Produce delivery was a key selling point for the business.
1951–1973, Hathaway & Sons: The son of Charles B. Hathaway, Alonzo E. Hathaway inherited the business upon returning from military service. Working alongside his wife, Virginia Hathaway, and their sons, this classic New England village store sold groceries, local newspapers and seasonal goods. When Alonzo died in 1972, Virginia ran the store.
1974–2026, Marion General Store: Jack and Betty Cheney purchase the building and business. A young couple with two small children, they quickly became part of the Marion experience for residents and visitors. Thanks to community support, a 2019 building restoration project updated the first floor.
2026 Jack retired and leased the village store to Amy Baxter and Will Felder, who will bring their own character to a building that has served the community in various ways since 1799.
Marion General store’s long commercial history is a remarkable legacy of American history.