In 1849, A.W. Sprague hired Horace Foster to build the Quidnick Company Store, a two and one-half story brick building. A sign above the front door read "A & W Sprague - Groceries & Dry Goods." On the left side of the building were two wider doors and a hayloft pulley attached to an extended beam near the peak of the roof. A company farm and piggery nearby provided most of the store's inventory.
The Spragues employed many workers of English, Scotch and Irish descent but as demand for their textile products increased they recruited French-Canadians. In some instances three-year contracts were signed for low wages, plus residing in company housing. Most often the employees agreed to acccept "script" that could be cashed at the company store rather than money.
In 1873, during a financial crisis, the Spragues lost millions. Quidnick Mill was the only solvent company amongst all their mills and was used to try and salvage the Sprague's other buildings. After a few years the plan failed.
Court records show that on March 22, 1882, the Sprague mills were offered for sale at public auction. Finally, except for Quidnick Comany Mills, they were all sold to the firm of B.B. & R. Knight. In 1884, William Dean Davis purchased the Quidnick Company Mills and resumed operation. In subsequent years the mills were owned by the Quidnick-Windham Manufacturing Company and Metro Dye Works.
While textile manufacturing continued into the 20th century, the mill store concept gradually grew out of favor.
In 1927, Stanley E. Moore, operator of a small repair garage inthe village of Lippitt, purchased the former Quidnick Company Store building. He renovated the front, turning it into an auto showroom for new cars. He also built an extensive addition on the rear of the building for his repair garage. These changes provided a new beginning for this historic building.
One of the first dealerships in Coventry, his ads reads:
Moore's Motor Service New and Used
Dealers in Hudson-Terraplane, Studebaker Automibles and G.M.C. Trucks
Providing 24 hr. Towing Service
It remained a dealership until 1954. At the present time it operates as an auto and truck repair garage owned by Clarence Moore, Stanley's son.
The historic building has served the Pawtuxet Valley for a combined total of 156 years.
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