The Mayflower - Chatham, MA

 

At the cross roads Main Street and Chatham Bars Avenue in Chatham, Massachusetts on Cape Cod, you will find The Mayflower Shop. Established originally in 1885, "the store", as we affectionately call it, has been in our family for 57 years. Summering on the Cape as a child, my father became acquainted with this retail gift store and when he was a young man, he told the owner that he'd be interested if he ever wanted to sell. A while later, the call came, and my mother and grandmother pooled their monies and bought my father the store. 

The Mayflower is not just a gift shop, it also sells magazines and newspapers, greeting cards, toys and hobby materials, cigarettes and candy, batteries (of course), and it's the largest supplier of office supplies on the lower Cape. If only the stores creaky wooden floors could speak, what tales they could tell of Chatham over the last 125 years.

"The store" is open 365 days a year and has been the backdrop for lots of drama in our family and lots of learning over the years. My sisters and I learned how to count and make change at the store, standing on a step stool behind the cash register, which was half as tall as we were. We learned about inventory and pricing by counting every item in the store each year, and pricing new inventory as it came in from Dad's suppliers. We learned about customer service and that "the customer is always right (even when they're wrong)". We learned to work and be dependable by the behavior we observed. And we learned patience which was sorely tested every Christmas Day, when Dad worked from 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. so presents under the tree were never touched until after lunch.

Well Dad died several years ago now and his wife is going to retire, so the family business is up for sale. The store is special, not only to us, but to so many families who have grown up and old with this landmark - locals and tourists alike. "It's just always been there." Longstanding businesses on Main Street in Chatham do not come up for sale very often, so this truly is a "once in a lifetime" opportunity.

Do you long for a simpler way of life, the life style of a simple New England town, and a really short commute? Do you want to be your own boss, be an integral part of a thriving community, and know nearly everyone in town?
Would you like to call one of the prettiest Main Streets in America your office? The time is now. Check out this unique business/real estate opportunity, because it won't be around for long. What a Christmas present this could be!

 

Comments

[Claudia Ward]

Yes.

Sent from my iPhone
Claudia Danforth Ward

[karyn]

are you dan ward's daughter?
(i knew him....)

[Barbara Andolsek Paintings]

I agree, and heartily hope that TLC is a big factor in the sale. It's too good to pass up, I'm sure someone will snatch her up soon.

[Sally Ward]

The memories of "the store" and times working there are endless. Band concert nights selling "penny-candy" (and it truly cost a penny then) and punk to keep the bugs away. Assembling the Sunday newspapers, sending telegrams from the Western Union sub-station tucked in the back of the store, selling lots of buckets and towels for the beach, working with Olive the bookkeeper, and on and on and on. The most memorable though, and I think I can possibly speak for all 3 of us "Ward Girls", is Daddy standing on the steps of the store watching the Fourth of July Parade. He would lock the doors to the store only when the parade was in front of it, opening it strictly (and I do mean strictly) to those who needed batteries or film, until the parade was over. The baton may be passed, but the memories of Dad, and Dad and the Mayflower Shop will never fade. Although he passed away several years ago, Dan Ward made the Mayflower Shop what it is today. I only hope someone will come along to give the same TLC to the store and Chatham as he did.

[Paul Angotta]

I hope that the store goes to someone who will love it as much as your family did - good luck.

[cousin Frannie]

Great tribute to the Mayflower Shop!
It has been part of our family my whole life(well almost).
I have many memories of the store including ones of Holly working there!

[ally]

that is so cool, and I really hope someone special buys it.
Happy Holidays!

[Charlie Dickerman]

I remember the kites...all different kinds...and the incredible art supplies. Of course Dan's grandson remembers some of the change-making lessons but I'm guessing he remembers the toys the most; while his sister remembers not being able to see over the counter.:-)