10352 Highway 1: The Benjamin Starratt House

Architecture Style: Gothic/Greek Revival

Built: 1866

There have been a number of General Stores in Paradise, but this was the only one built to be a showplace. Benjamin Starratt’s beautiful store gave evidence that the sacrifice made by the New England planters had been worthwhile. Benjamin (1827-1909), great-grandson of Massachusetts planter Peter Starratt, benefitted from the work of the early generations, and especially that of his neighbours across the road, planter grandchildren themselves.  From his teacher, “Uncle” Asaph Marshall, he bought the land. He partnered with seasoned competitor Ambrose Bent to market Paradise apples and noted that Ambrose built for beauty as well as function. Benjamin prospered and married Clara Fowler, daughter of British sympathizers who came to Nova Scotia after the War of 1812. The house knew great sadness when their musical daughter “Bessie” died at age 20 while visiting her Uncle William and Aunt Ellen [Fowler] James in Bermuda.

In 1899  Edwin Brooks began 70 years of “Brooks’ Store” on the corner. “E. Brooks and Son”,  Edwin and Kenneth, ran a true General Store, with wooden kegs of molasses and vinegar, lamp oil in containers with pour spouts, and shelves that held yard goods, hardware, boots and shoes. In the corner stood a barber’s chair, and candy was a penny.   Brooks’ Store kept up with the times: it boasted modern gas lights in 1908 and a soda fountain in the fifties for bobby-soxed teens.  Ken’s wife Nettie was fastidious with the accounts, and with her home. She beautified the corner with her garden inside the Victorian iron fence. Ken, a true gentleman, was church clerk.

Fred and Myra Parkinson, then Graham and Betty Smith sold general goods and antiques. The Smiths removed Nettie’s fence to create parking space and built a home next door.  Tim and Janine LaPlante ran an antique store, and Tim worked with Aliant. Baby Jackie was a special joy to all. These later families gave a great deal to our community life.

The picture above also shows Jackson’s store on the left. Established in the 19th century, it had a long list of later owners, until it was torn down at the end of the 20th century.