The Dockham Store
The Dockham family home was originally built by Caleb Hall for his family before the Revolutionary War. The home once stood where 21 Dearborn Road is today, near the corner of Dearborn and Bunker Hill Road. On the hill behind the property, there was a liberty pole where Revolutionary War gatherings took place. Unfortunately, the original home burned down in 1980 and the liberty pole is no longer there.
Henry Dockham opened the store sometime around 1850. It was a small country store, conveniently located to local farmers and homesteaders. The Dockham Store provided some basic necessities such as animal feed, barrels of flour, tools, etc.
In 2008, Michael and Tammy Myles, the owners of 21 Dearborn Road at that time, offered to donate the Dockham Store to the Auburn Historical Association (AHA). Don Dollard was the AHA president and he coordinated the move. Fred Frisella and his son, Adam of National Machinery Movers from Candia jacked and slid the building onto a trailer provided by J.H. Rolfe Construction Co. of Auburn. Gosselin Steel loaned the steel stringers to support the building. The roof had to be removed and replaced again after the move due to height restrictions and this was done by Tom Gregoire.
On November 29, 2008, Mickey Rolfe skillfully maneuvered the building to it’s new location at 102 Hooksett Road, all the while missing mail boxes, low hanging branches and wires. The Auburn Police Department provided a safe escort so that traffic was not an issue.
The Auburn Historical Association appreciates the efforts of those who helped to move the Dockham Store. We are especially thankful to Michael and Tammy Myles who donated this historic treasure to the AHA for future generations to learn about and enjoy.
The photos of the 2008 move were taken by Don Dollard.
Henry Dockham opened the store sometime around 1850. It was a small country store, conveniently located to local farmers and homesteaders. The Dockham Store provided some basic necessities such as animal feed, barrels of flour, tools, etc.
In 2008, Michael and Tammy Myles, the owners of 21 Dearborn Road at that time, offered to donate the Dockham Store to the Auburn Historical Association (AHA). Don Dollard was the AHA president and he coordinated the move. Fred Frisella and his son, Adam of National Machinery Movers from Candia jacked and slid the building onto a trailer provided by J.H. Rolfe Construction Co. of Auburn. Gosselin Steel loaned the steel stringers to support the building. The roof had to be removed and replaced again after the move due to height restrictions and this was done by Tom Gregoire.
On November 29, 2008, Mickey Rolfe skillfully maneuvered the building to it’s new location at 102 Hooksett Road, all the while missing mail boxes, low hanging branches and wires. The Auburn Police Department provided a safe escort so that traffic was not an issue.
The Auburn Historical Association appreciates the efforts of those who helped to move the Dockham Store. We are especially thankful to Michael and Tammy Myles who donated this historic treasure to the AHA for future generations to learn about and enjoy.
The photos of the 2008 move were taken by Don Dollard.
Relocating the Dockham Store in 2008
Below: A new sign was erected by 15 year old Sam Rooney on August 7, 2018. This was Sam's Eagle Scout Project.
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David Peoples made a sign for the Dockham Store
