Iconic Southampton Store Celebrates 175 Years In Business

SOUTHAMPTON, NY — When the store opened 175 years ago, Hildreth's stocked bread and crackers by the barrel, wheels of cheese, salt, flour, tea — and even whaling harpoons.

Today, the selection of items offered for sale might have changed a bit, but Hildreth's, which now displays an array of home furnishings and accessories, is standing strong, celebrating 175 years of business in Southampton Village.

To mark the anniversary, Hildreth's is kicking off a year-long celebration this month, and will offer special sales, promotions and events to mark the milestone.

The Hildreth family, who first settled in Lynn, Massachusetts in 1635, first set down roots as cattle ranchers.

Once they headed to the East End in hopes of finding better grazing for their livestock in 1640 or 1641, founder Lewis Hildreth opened a general store in Southampton Village.

Some of the products sold then were the same as today — housewares and dry goods were among the wares offered then and now.

"Before the Long Island Rail Road completed the line to the East End in 1870, the merchandise sold by Hildreth’s came by horse-driven wagons after being unloaded from merchant ships in Sag Harbor. On regular shifts, goods were transported along the muddy roads into town to be unloaded. After train transportation arrived, the trip became shorter, but the work was still done with a certain diligence," a release said.

Today, Hildreth's, located at 51 Main Street, remains the original store in the original location, carrying more than 100,000 items for sale.

"A walk inside is just like walking into an American art exhibit at any big-city museum. Five generations later, the store is still owned and operated by the Hildreth family. The floors of the store are the original wooden floors and the showcase windows are also the original design. In fact, the front door is the very same door that greeted customers in 1842 when the store first opened," the release said.

Patch courtesy photo.