May 17, 2012The First Store
Located at the southwest corner of North Main & West First Streets
The first store in Jamestown was erected in 1813 upon the northwest corner of Main and First Streets by Jediah and Martin Prendergast, brothers of James Prendergast. This store was a branch of the store which they operated in Mayville, built in 1811.
The ledger of that first store is in the possession of the Fenton Historical Society and bears the date November 1813.
The Jamestown Post Office was established December 30, 1816. James Prendergast, first postmaster, located the post office in his brothers’ store. In October, 1824, the location of the post office was moved to what would be 113 North Main Street. The store filed bankruptcy in 1836. Richard Hiller, cousin of the Prendergasts, who had entered the partnership in 1822, was appointed receiver.
The store building was torn down in 1861 by Dascom Allen to clear the lot for the construction of a brick building on the spot.
UPON THIS CORNER FACING SOUTH STOOD
THE FIRST STORE
ERECTED IN JAMESTOWN. IT WAS BUILT IN 1813 BY JEDIAH AND MARTIN PRENDERGAST, BROTHERS OF JAMES PRENDERGAST AS A BRANCH OF THEIR STORE IN MAYVILLE. IT WAS REMOVED IN 1861.