George A. Robie
George A. Robie was born on June 21, 1840. In 1862, Robie married Angie A. Wheeler. He bought a general store in 1887, which had been in operation since settlement times. Prior to Robie’s ownership, the general store had a dock facility and received goods by river barge from its opening until the railroad came to town in 1842. The store burned down in both 1857 and 1906 and was rebuilt in both instances. In addition to providing food and equipment for Hooksett families, the store also doubled as a post office for years.
For 110 years, the ownership of his store was passed down from father to son. The last Robie to own Robie’s Country Store was Lloyd Robie, who was the fourth-generation owner and retired in 1997. The store was sold to a group of Hooksett residents who formed a nonprofit group called the “Robie’s Country Store Historic Preservation Corporation.” This nonprofit owns and maintains the historic building and leases it to operators who run the business, making it the oldest continuously operated business in Hooksett. Not only is Robie’s Country Store a site for various goods, but it is also a living historic museum displaying the Robie family’s pictures and collectibles.
