The late Beatrice Cannon researched Stores and Business of Webster NH Historical guide dated 1833-1933. Ms. Edna frost added to the history for the Webster Historical guide dated 1933 to 1983.

1700's - 1991: John D Hale (store founder)

The origins of the store founded in 1700's by John Hale (Picture pre 1917). The store name hard to read: John D Hale. Hand writing on the picture says Kersarge Mountain and the Coarser Hill store.

The store @ the corner of Long street and highway 127 (Coarser hill road/ Battle street) was the first store in the town of Webster dates to the 1700's.

The store was struck by lightening in 1916 burned rebuilt in 1918 and sold to Samuel Billings. Billings ran the store for 4 short years.

1922-1995: Webster General Store

The Stebbins Family Three generations of Webster General store owners (The next 59 years)

In 1922 Julia Stebbins bought the store from Samuel Billings. Art Stebbins rented the Colby`s store @ the foot of Potash Hill in 1932 in competition to his mother. After the flood of 38` and the building of the Black water dam the store was closed in 1939. Art married Ruth Keyes of Andover NH in 1937. Art and Ruth lived in the store for two years from 1937 -1939. Art inherited the Stebbins store from his mother Julia in 1939.

In 1939 Art and Ruth needed more family space and moved out of the store and across the street to a house sold to them by Helen badger Coarser. Noah Stebbins (Arts father) and Lloyd Stone set about increasing the size and remodeling Stebbins store. A shed attached to the horse barn was used to store blocks of ice packed in saw dust. Since torn down. The ice was used in the wooden refrigerator boxes in the store until the 40's.

Town clerks working from the store Ruth and Art were the center of the community. More than a general store, it was the place to go for any and all information; Art and later Ruth were the town clerks for more years than many locals can remember. Political discussions, town affairs and all community stories were heard here first, some resulting in heated discussion. Following Arthur’s death Ruth continued on as town Clerk and ran the business until she rented it to Brian and his wife Debra Nason in 1981.

1995-2006: Cowdreys (Smith Family)

The Nason family sold the store to the Smith Family in 1995.

The Smith family renamed the store Cowdreys and painted it with black spots after renovation of all of the operating systems. Joan grudgingly earned the acknowledgement of the community with her baking skills and the family’s hard work. The store was still called Stebbins no matter what the sign said. More than a country store customers would drive for miles for piece of Pie and a chat with Al & Joan and Al sold the store in 2006. Shortly thereafter the bank foreclosed on the new owners; a couple the town didn't admire.

2006 - Present Day: NH Bowl & Board Mill

New Hampshire Bowl & Board Outlet Store, as seen today!

In 2006, Paul Silberman and Gayle Kimball bought the building. Hoping to sort through the history and once again make it the center of the community.

One of just a few of New Hampshire’s last remaining authentic outlet store in an historic Country store building with a 90 year history. We guarantee you will explore the nooks and crannies in the tradition of other famous wood bowl turning sites. You may remember or visited one of these, the Weston Bowl Mill in Vermont the Granville Bowl Mill or the old Woodbury Bowl Mill.

The floors displays are always changing through, so if you've already visited the studio, don't be afraid to make a second trip to Webster. For discerning shoppers searching for unique elements to accent their home, the Studio is a must visit. There's always something New for everyone!

Current day photograph