How Things Used to Be
Former Businesses
Dean Davenport's Garage
Located on Route 28 in South Orleans, it was later owned by Ray Perreault who lived in the adjacent house with his wife Beryl, daughters Lillian, Gail, and Sandra and son Fred.
T.A. Smith's Store
The overhead sign says "Cash Market" but take note of the Standard Oil, horse-drawn tank. It says "Boston Dept". How often do you suppose those horses made the round trip to Boston & back?
Sunset Tearoom
From 1926 to 1970, Margaret (Traynor) MacKenzie ran the Sunset Tearoom on Skaket Rd., Orleans. Very few local people frequented the tearoom. Limousines, with armed chauffeurs, stopped by for a cup of tea and perhaps a Butterscotch or Parker House Roll. Hetty (Robinson) Green (1834-1916), the richest woman in America, nicknamed “The Witch of Wallstreet” in that period frequented the tearoom.
Dave Bessom's Store
Owned and operated by Dave Bessom, Sr., it was a very popular place in East Orleans (intersection of Barley Neck Road & Main Street) due in large part to the personality of Mr. Bessom.
Mike Bessom's Store
Mike Bessom, Dave's brother, operated this combination store, gas station (Mobil), and Post Office in South Orleans.(intersection of Routes 28 & 39, and Quanset Road) He was the Postmaster, grocer, and he pumped your gas.
A & P Produce Stand
The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company operated this stand, summers only, on Main Street next to Watsons Store.
First National Store
The First National Store was located on Main Street where Westies Shoe store now resides.
T.A. Smith's Store
Operated by Thomas Smith for decades. It became Ellis's Market operated by Lloyd Ellis for more decades. It was located on Cove Road next to Knowles Bakery (you can see it far left) which was operated by Clarence Knowles who later sold it to Gaston Norgeot who kept the name.
Ray Perreault's Garage
Located on Route 28 in South Orleans. Ray, wife Beryl, children Lillian, Gail, Freddie, and Sandra all lived in the house on the left. It is still there but you can't see it for the overgrowth of evergreens.
Reno Diner
Located on Route 6A (across from Nauset Marine), it was operated by Gordon && Henrietta Harris. It was a very popular stopping off point for many people.
Earl Sylva's Tydol Station
Located on Route 6A across from the present Cape Cod 5 Cents Savings Bank, It was operated by Earl Sylva and was a favorite place for teenagers because Earl let them charge their gas.
Howard Johnsons
This restaurant, opened in 1935, was the 1st link in a chain that became world wide. It was operated by Reggie Sprague who, with his wife, lived in a large house in back of the building which sat on the property now known as one of the Christmas Tree Shops.
Pals Ice Cream
This very popular ice cream shop (Now The Yard Arm restaurant), located on Route 28 next to Bill's Sunoco, was operated by Harold & Violet Crosby, inlaws of Bill Dougherty of Bill's Sunoco.
Gull Hill School for Boys
A preparatory school for boys. There was also a counterpart school in Florence, Italy. Older students were housed at the Captain Linnell House.
Central Package Store
Located on Route 6A, this store was operated by Lester & Eva Quinn (parents of the 5 Quinn brothers).