Mr. Jones recorded a very special purchase in ledger book on Christmas day in 1830. Mr. Jones’ general store in West Dover was an institution during the mid 1800s, providing locals with many goods and services.

Records for 38 continuous years are still intact, indicating the Jones’ store never closed for a single holiday.

Ezra Dearth came in to buy a goose for Christmas dinner on this very day. It was business as usual for Mr. Jones, who kept detailed ledgers of all purchases and deliveries.

Some townspeople would bring in items to barter in lieu of cash, or purchase items on account to be paid at a later date.

Image courtesy The History of Dover, Vermont by Nell Kull in the collections of the Vermont Historical Society.