Deep River Historical Society: Week 9: Jones's Garage

Press release from the Deep River Historical Society:

Christina Forristall

August 18, 2021

This week the focus is on Main Street, where so many of our businesses were repurposed from older businesses. This just reinforces what we talked about last week! That Deep River is a town with love and respect for the past, refurbishing old buildings and repurposing them rather than tearing them down to build new structures.  One of those businesses was Jones’s Garage, established by Ansel Jones in 1904, it was located at 158 Main Street Deep River, CT. Today we know this business as The Red House. 

In 1904 Jones recognized the importance of the infant automobile industry and opened a garage and repair shop behind the family home. As the business grew and expanded, he moved the business to Main Street. He sold Overland cars manufactured in Terra Haut, Indiana. The Overland Automobile Company was founded by Claude Cox in Terra Haute, Indiana, in 1903 and moved to Indianapolis in 1905. John North Willys bought the failing firm in 1908, turned its fortunes around, and relocated the company to Toledo, Ohio. At $665, this four-cylinder Overland cost more than a Ford Model T, but it offered more style and comfort.

Look around you and find other shops on Main Street that are still recognizable from the past. 

Deep River Pharmacy was run by Edgar LaPlace, then later Henry Heiney Trogen in the 1950s, and the First National Store all of which today is The Great Wall Chinese Restaurant and Quality Collectables.

Richard Spencer had built his home on the corner of Village and Main Streets in 1881, in the widely popular Queen Anne style.  Although the Library Association raised money to purchase the Spencer home for the new library, the Association gave the home to the town as a gift for the purpose of a town library. This Library opened on May 10, 1933, with Claire E. Moore as its first librarian. The porch has been closed in to create more room but very little has changed. 

The Dudley Block across the street also had a pharmacy and soda fountain. It also sold cigarettes, cigars, and newspapers. Now it’s called Hally Jo’s, but how many remember when it was the Short Stop? 

The Banks have endured the most change but they still stand in the same locations and serve the same purpose. 

Post your photos of Main Street to your FB page and tag us, and grab a bite to eat where Jones Garage once stood! Keep up the good work. You are nearing the end of the challenge. Only three weeks to go. 

This press release was produced by the Deep River Historical Society. The views expressed here are the author’s own.