| The pictures show views of this Early Unused West Epping New Hampshire Train Depot & General Store Real Photo Post Card. The postcard is not dated, but it is believed to be from the 1800s or early 1900s. The post card was made by Fletcher & Company of Orleans, Vermont. The photograph pictures the J . L. True & Son General Store and Boston and Maine railroad tracks. Much can be seen in the photo including the General Store building with its train platform or loading dock, an early automobile, a flag pole, a ''Vermont Baking Company Snowflake Bread'' sign (on the platform), a large crate marked ''Vermont Baking Co. White River Jct., VT.'', a birch tree chair, another old chair, a round Moxie soda sign, a ''Perry Seeds'' sign (in a window), a ''J. L. True & Son'' sign, an old advertising thermometer (hanging by the door), wooden window shutters, a train track switch, B&M train tracks, an old railroad lantern (hanging on the wooden electric or telephone pole), mail boxes, wooden barrels, a dirt street, a wooden track crossing, and more. The caption on the photo post card reads as follows: LOOKING WEST
WEST EPPING NH
704 The post card measures 5-5/16'' x 3-3/8''. It appears to be in good condition with a vertical crack or crease, some water marks on the right side, and some small spotting as pictured. Below here, for reference is some historical information that has been found on this stores family owners: ALMON L. TRUE, proprietor of a general store and station agent for the Boston and Maine Railroad at West Epping, New Hampshire, is a well known citizen of the community, where his family has been a prominent one for many years. He was born in West Epping, January 2, 1856, and is a son of John L. and Harriet A. (Tilton) True. John L. True was a lifelong resident of West Epping, and was widely known throughout Rockingham County. Beginning life as a poor boy, he worked his way to the front and became a man of affluence. In 1871 he established a store in West Epping and was the first station agent here, the depot having been built in 1868. A man of industry and great enterprise he was always foremost in promoting the best interests of the place and building it up to an important business center. He was twice honored with selection by the Republicans as party candidate for the State Legislature, but as fortune would have it he ran in years of great democratic landslides. He served as town treasurer, selectman and at times was delegate to state and county conventions. He departed this life in March, 1907, much mourned by his surviving family and hosts of friends who knew him well. John L. True was married to Harriet A. Tilton, who was born at Sandown, New Hampshire, and now resides in the old home place in West Epping. Five children were the issue of this union, Almon L. being the eldest and only one now living. At the early age of four years, Almon L. True began attending the public schools of his native town, and continued in school until he was sixteen, a part of the time being in attendance in Raymond High School. He then completed a course in the Bryant & Stratton Business College at Manchester, N. H., in 1875. In the same year he accepted a position as passenger brakeman on what was then the old Concord Railroad, continuing in this employment until 1880. In 1880 he left the railroad as his father required his assistance in the store at West Epping. He continued in the capacity of clerk and assisted in the duties at the station until 1892, when he purchased a one half interest in the business. He has since purchased the remaining interest outstanding and in addition is the station agent. His store ranks with the best in point of stock and equipment, and his careful handling of the trade has resulted in a largely increased patronage. He is a man of public spirit and deeply interested in the welfare of the community, but has been too busy to accept of public office, although he did serve for a time as supervisor. He was nominated by the Republican party for the State Legislature, but refused to make the race although strongly importuned to do so. November 2, 1886, Mr. True was married to Miss Flora S. Houghton, a daughter of Freeman J. Houghton of Westminster, Vt., and they have one son, Edmund C. True, born January 10, 1897. Religiously they are members of the Advent Church. Mr. True is a member of the Masonic order, a Knights Templar and for two years was master of Sullivan lodge, of Epping. They have a beautiful home in West Epping among comfortable surroundings. |
