Russell's green and white awning


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The Store, back when.

“There has been a store at this location since 1823. At this time‚
James Cowan opened a general mercantile shop. He was also a school teacher and at one time the Town Justice. He sold his business in 1846 to Robert Murray. Mr. Murray‚ besides being a merchant‚ was a builder. Ownership then passed to Thomas E. Hastings who erected some new buildings in 1870. A feed store was operated behind the present store. The old foundation of this building can still be seen. In 1893‚ Andrew T. Doig took over the business and operated it until selling it to Cecil H. Russell in 1919. The store has remained in the Russell family since that time and is presently owned and operated by Cecil’s daughter‚ Marjorie Russell.” (Excerpted from Bovina Center Self-Guided House Tour, August 5, 1995, by Amy Burns and Maureen Roberts.)

Russell’s Store today!


Upon her passing, Marjorie Russell gave Russell’s Store to the Bovina United Presbyterian Church, who in turn deeded the store to the Bovina Historical Society with the stipulation that it be maintained as a museum or a general store. Today the store is both. The Historical Society charges the current operator, Timothy Harlo Bray, just enough rent to cover their annual tax bill, and not a penny-candy more. The store staff, the community and visitors are very supportive. We aim to provide the community with a place to meet, greet, gab, crab, and snag a few essentials, confections and a taste of life in old Bovina Center, New York, U.S.A.

A tribute to 75 years of community service by the Russell family and those who served 100 years before. Stop in and see what yesteryear looks like. Enjoy a sandwich, a salad, a bowl of soup,some hot coffee or a cold soft drink. Of course, the candy case is always well stocked and there are at least 10 dentists listed in our phone book.

Cecil and Isabelle Russell in front of the store


















Marjorie Russell with a cat