The Cupertino General Store

In 1890, the village of West Side, now
Cupertino, consisted of a blacksmith’s shop, a
community hall, a cooper’s shop, a doctor’s
office, the Union Church and a general-
merchandise store. The Cupertino General Store
was more than just a place to buy merchandise.
To the people of Cupertino it was the first Santa
Clara County library, post office, and social
center where one learned the latest about crops
and neighbors. Built by local architect Enoch
Parrish, the store was originally owned by Alex
Montgomery and later passed to James Dixon
and Arch Wilson. The store reflected the needs
of the small community, carrying everything
from candy to dynamite.
Visitors to the exhibit can enjoy seeing health
and beauty items, hair and grooming aids,
children’s toys, stationary supplies, and tools that
date from 1890 through the 1940s. Also on view
are pages from the old Sears catalogs, old letters,
postcards and war ration books. Kids can weigh
themselves on the old grocery scale and purchase
penny candies at the store counter.

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