About home => Our History =>Photo Essay

One of many consumer cooperatives started during the years of the Great Depression, the Hanover Consumer Co-op is now among the oldest in the United States.

The Co-op enjoyed twenty years of business on Hanover's Main Street.

As the Co-op celebrated its 25th anniversary in 1961, it was outgrowing its Main Street quarters. The next year, the Co-op’s Board of Directors decided to purchase the site where the Hanover Co-op Food Store stands today.

General Manager Harry Gerstenberger (left) and his nephew, Arthur Gerstenberger, during the construction of the Hanover Co-op Food Store, Spring 1963. In 1965, Arthur succeeded Harry as general manager.

In 1985, the Co-op purchased the Park Street Mobil station, adjacent to the Hanover store, and expanded the Co-op’s offerings to include automotive services.

Members since 1942, Allan and Nan King helped cut the ribbon at the grand opening of the Lebanon Co-op Food Store in October, 1997.

Founding member Helen Stearns (center) and Board members Cleta Wheeler and Dan Grossman cut the cake at the Co-op‘s 50th anniversary party in 1986. About home => Our History