The Dorchester Beacon, October 26, 1907
J C. Talbot
Located at Dorchester Lower Mills—Conducts One of the Finest Food Supply Houses in This Section—Business Was Established Nearly a Century Ago
As a business centre, Dorchester Lower Mills has a record dating back quite as far, if not farther, than any other present business section of Dorchester, and it has among its retail establishments some of the oldest business houses in Dorchester, and a grocery house which, with one exception, is the oldest business of its kind continued under one name in either Dorchester or Boston. We refer to the establishment of J. (John) C Talbot, whieh has been run imder the name of Tallsn for 92 years.
The exception noted is that of Upham’s store at Upham’s Corner, which was founded in 1802, while the Talbot store originated in 1815. It was John Talbot, the grandfather of the present John Talbot, now owner of the store, who founded the business, and it is said the beginning was so small that the whole stock in trade could he loaded into a small wagon.
But if the capital was lacking, the energy and thrift of John Talbot was not, and in tine course of time, they supplied the capital and goods. The first store was located at the bridge, where the brick mill now stands, and from there the business was moved to the Bussey store on Adams Street. Later it was again moved over onto to Washington Street in the old two-story frame building now standing at 1155 Washington Street, and which is now used by the business as a warehouse.
This old stand is well known to all the community of Lower Mills and vicinity, and particularly by the old residents, for the Talbots carried on their grocery business here for a great many years. John Talbot was succeeded by his son, .1. C. Talbot, who in 1888 built the large and handsome store new occupied. moving the business into it in September of that year.
In the meantime, in February 1882, he opened a second store in the Associates’ building in Milton for the convenience of his Milton patrons. J. C. Talbot continued in the business up to the time of his death in 1894, when his son, who, like his father, bad been brought up in the business, took possession. This son, John Talbot, has continued the business since under the father’s name.
The long business record of the Talbots has been a creditable and honorable one in every way and the father. son and grandson have each in his turn held the confidence and esteem of not only the patrons of the grocery establishment, but the whole community.
The business occupies a large store substantially and attractively fitted up with oak fixtures and always maintained in a neat and tasty manner. An unusually large stock of goods is carried, embracing everything in the staple and fancy grocery line, a specialty being made of fine teas and coffees, high-grade goods and imported condiments and table delicacies,
A large reserve stock is carried in the storehouses and a second stock complete in every way, is carried in the Milton store. Seventeen employees and six teams are utilized in the two stores. and the very best of service is given to the patrons of the house.