'Turnback Tuesday' from this date in 2017 features downtown Derby shop

This week's "Turnback Tuesday" features an old advertisement clipping for George C. Allis' book and jewelry shop. 

Allis started the business when he was only 15 years old. It was originally established in 1852 in a small room on "lower Main Street" in Derby, but in 1857, one Edward Lewis graciously built Allis a small store at 171 Main St. 

In 1859, Allis began a circulating library within his shop and offered ~4,000 volumes. He acquired ownership of the building from Lewis in 1866 and managed his shop for over 70 years. 

The store closed between 1924-25, and Allis died on Dec. 28, 1927, at the age of 92.

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting local history each week.