Today we’d like to introduce you to Frank Harris.
Frank, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
We are from Oregon. Sold our house and business much like what we have here to a customer and then came to CT. Stayed there for 2 months until we found our Major John Gile House c.1763 which we also operate as a B & B Our store is located on the property in an old saltbox brought over to Nottingham from the coast of Maine. We sell primitive antiques, early lighting, and seasonal decor out of the store and out of our house. We have been here 3 years. The restoration of the property, which was featured in Early American Life Last Fall, started in 1985.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has been very smooth. We have become popular especially our new Bed and Breakfast. There are not many 18th century houses that are this original and comfortable that you can spend the night in.
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Pumpkin Hollow Primitives and The Major John Gile House c.1763 B & B story. Tell us more about the business.
We run an 18th century Bed and Breakfast which was built as a tavern in 1763. There are very few places that one can experience this early period with 21 st century comfort It is furnished in period style furniture. October 7th & 8th we will have our 3rd annual Heritage Weekend. Reenactors come and display the skills needed to live in the 18th century. Our store, which is adjacent to the home, sells many items that are displayed in the home as well as early antiques from New England.
How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Alas….. the young don’t seem to care about our past anymore. We have had more young folks stay with us than we thought would stay. That is an encouragement. We get a lot of older folks who worry that their kids just don’t appreciate the craftsmanship or the stories behind the things our forefathers cherished. The reenactors are getting older and have to retire. These old homes cost too much to restore and that way of life will soon be gone forever. It’s sad. I have said in a hundred years there will be antique stores that sell antique computers and iPhone etc. Folks then will wonder how primitive the people today…. were. ……and why didn’t they do more to save this nation’s past.
Contact Info:
- Address: 152 Gile Rd., Nottingham, New Hampshire 03290
- Website: www.pumpkinhollowprimitives.com
- Phone: 6037344402
- Email: pumpkinhollow2@gmail.com
Image Credit:
Frank Harris
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