Strawbery Banke Presents
HISTORIC PORTSMOUTH #236

This photo shows Puddle Dockers shoveling snow on Jefferson Street in Puddle Dock outside the Abbott Store at the dawn of WW2. With her husband Walter deceased, and all five of her grandchildren in military service, proprietor Bertha Abbott needed help around the store. (Continued below)

Saving the Abbott Store

At the suggestion of neighbors, 16-year old Leslie Clough (on right) moved into the attached house and worked for Bertha from 1941 until 1949. Leslie did chores before school, then returned to work after classes. Bertha, who could scarcely walk, allowed customers to help themselves to items on the shelves during her daily shift. Some local children, attracted to the display of candy, were also allowed to help out with chores. Today the Abbott Store has been carefully restored to its World War II appearance, right down to the labels on the products. (From research by historian Barbara McLean Ward)

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