Nestled in the picturesque town of Sanbornville, New Hampshire, Garvin Mercantile, also known as the Garvin Building, stands as a testament to the resilience of small-town businesses and the vision of its founder, James W. Garvin. The history of Garvin Mercantile is intricately woven into the fabric of Sanbornville, reflecting a bygone era of community-driven commerce and the determination of one man to build something enduring.

Like most of this country, the railroad was the driving force for the development of communities north of Boston. The Eastern Railroad’s arrival in Wakefield, NH, prompted James to construct the Garvin building and open the J.W. Garvin Store, which opened for business in 1871. Built, in part, as the original, “Wolfeborough Junction” train depot, the Garvin couldn’t be much closer to the railroad tracks, allowing for easy access for boarding passengers and the transfer of goods off and on arriving and departing trains. The tracks remain active for freight trains today, transporting aggregate from Ossipee to Boston. Later, a more traditional depot was built directly across the street. Sadly, this gorgeous station was eventually torn down by the railroad, and replaced with a very small and modest station, which remains standing. Wolfeborough Junction, so named because of the railroad, was renamed, “Sanbornville,” on March 27th, 1895.

The sprawling architecture of the building provides proof of a once-thriving business, a place where the community could meet and shop for everything from eggs, molasses & flour, to fabric, boots & kerosene. Besides serving as the first railroad station, the Garvin building also has been home to the town post office, the town clerk’s office, a barbershop, and a newspaper printery. In more recent years, Garvin Mercantile has accommodated businesses such as attorney’s and real estate offices, a dance studio, a photography/portrait studio, and of course, everyone’s favorite diner, “Lino’s.”

After the decline of passenger train service in the 50’s and 60’s, due to construction of the interstate system and the meteoric rise in popularity of the automobile, the Garvin Building saw a decline in the demand for commercial space by local businesses. In subsequent years, the building fell into disrepair. Fortunately, the building was the first large restoration project of the Wakefield Heritage Commission. This effort was brought full circle when Garvin Mercantile was purchased and fully restored & modernized by its current owners. This modernization was done without losing any of the Garvin’s original charm and aesthetic. The building’s renaissance would make J.W. himself proud, and promises many, many more decades of service to the greater Wakefield communities. Interested in taking the next step for your business, and becoming part of the Garvin Mercantile’s rich history? Check out our currently available commercial spaces, or get in touch today!