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The general store in Vermont known as Coburns’ General Store gained popularity thanks to the off-season period known as "Stick Season." Noah Kahan, a famous singer, used to visit the store often while growing up and has referred to it as the main hub of his hometown. His mother is now leading a campaign to find a new owner and save the store.
Written by Jenna Russell
Writing from the city of Strafford, Vermont.
The people of Strafford, Vermont, cannot picture their town without Coburns’ General Store. It is a unique and welcoming place that embodies the essence of New England, making it feel like it could be the backdrop for a story or the muse for a piece of music.
The store and the community are significant influences in the music of Noah Kahan, a 27-year-old folk-pop artist from Strafford. Kahan’s fans from all over now associate his hometown with Coburns’ store, frequently visiting to experience the rural atmosphere that inspires his music. They often take photos with the store’s owner, 80-year-old Melvin Coburn.
The future of the general store, owned by Mr. Coburn and his wife, Sue, for almost five decades, is unsure. The couple is eager to retire, but they have not been able to find a buyer since putting the property up for sale two years ago. A group of local residents in Strafford is working to save the business by creating a nonprofit community trust. They are making progress in raising the $1.8 million required to purchase Coburns’ and allocate funds for its maintenance and restoration.
The next step for Coburns’ is to find a new owner to rent and manage the store, located in Strafford, Vermont since the 1880s. The store provides groceries to residents, saving them from having to travel 25 miles to the closest big supermarket. It is also a vital meeting place for the town, where neighbors can gather, share local news, and build important connections that are necessary for rural life.
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