The historic Gilsum Village Store is set for a revival, as sisters Damaris Graham and Mariana Gibaldi plan to reopen the beloved establishment by May or June 2024. The wooden red building, located at 18 Main St., has served various purposes over the years, including a cidery and a weekend coffee shop, but the sisters aim to restore it to its original function as a community grocery store.
The Gilsum Village Store has been a fixture in the town since at least 1881. Its closure in 2019 forced local residents to travel to Keene for groceries and daily necessities. More than a shopping destination, the store was a social hub where neighbors gathered to chat and enjoy coffee. Graham, a resident of Gilsum, believes that reviving the store will reconnect the community.
“This venture is about more than just business for my sister and me,” said Graham. “You can buy groceries anywhere, but you can’t replace the feeling of being known at your local store.” Gibaldi, who resides in Swanzey, brings a degree in marketing and communications to the project, while Graham has experience in bookkeeping and food service, along with a degree in community development.
Community Impact and Store Vision
The sisters hope to open the store ahead of the annual Gilsum Rock Swap in June, an event that attracts visitors from various regions. Their vision includes offering a selection of produce, local products, pantry items, and essential goods such as milk and toilet paper. In addition, the store will feature ready-to-go foods, including pastries and breakfast sandwiches.
The sisters plan to name their sandwiches after local attractions and historical references. For example, the “Morning Miner Sandwich” pays homage to Gilsum’s mining history, while the “Porkypine Falls” acknowledges the nearby Porcupine Falls trail.
Before opening, the building will undergo several renovations, including energy efficiency improvements and the installation of a wheelchair lift to ensure accessibility for all community members.
The sisters have received enthusiastic support from the community since announcing their plans. “Gilsum is such a special place,” Graham said. “I truly love this town, and we’ve already received so much community support. We’re excited to welcome everyone back in.”
As they prepare for the reopening, the sisters are keen to restore the store’s role as a gathering place. “If people start saying ‘hey, I’ll meet you at the village store,’ we know we did something right,” Graham added. The revitalization of the Gilsum Village Store not only aims to meet local shopping needs but also to foster a sense of community spirit that has been missed since its closure.
