Own a Piece of Wareham History: Old Company Store Up for Sale

WAREHAM (WBSM) — A beloved Wareham property has hit the market, and it’s your chance to own your own little corner of one of the town’s most historic areas.

The Old Company Store and its surrounding properties are now up for sale as one package for $1,995,000, including two retail shops and two residential homes.

Each piece of the property is steeped in history, and all combined has the opportunity for someone with vision to create a truly unique SouthCoast destination.

History of the Old Company Store

The Old Company Store, which was originally a cooper shop for the Tremont Nail Factory going back to the store’s construction in 1890, became a retail shop back in 1969. It was a popular spot for decades for those seeking penny candy, unique gifts, artisan creations and more. It sold everything from books to candles to greeting cards to jewelry, and no shopping trip was complete without a big dill pickle right from the barrel and an old-fashioned craft soda in the glass bottle.

The Assad family saved the Old Company Store from closure back in 1992, taking over the shop in 1993 and keeping it going until it closed for good in 2016 when owner Sandi Assad retired. She had operated the shop along with her daughters Cindi and Shari.

READ MORE: Longtime Fans of Wareham's Old Company Store Saddened By Its Closing

What’s Included in the $1.9M Property Package

The Assads also had acquired other buildings and abutting properties, spreading the parcel out to over an acre of land.

In addition to the historic company store, there is also “a high-visibility retail storefront on Route 28, a classic two-family residence, and a single-family home with water views and flexible in-law setup,” according to the property listing. One of the houses even dates back to 1850.

In addition to the Old Company Store space – which actually has a sprawling interior layout, despite its cozy exterior – there is also the retail space that sits on the Cranberry Highway and currently houses Mermaids on Cape Cod Boutique, owned by Assad’s daughter Shari Ann Aussant.

The space had formerly been a yoga studio, a Curves gym, and had been a hairdressing studio for decades.

Why the Assads Are Selling

“We are ready for our next chapter of life and would love for you to begin yours in a place filled with tradition and joy,” Aussant posted to Facebook. “Looking for a waterfront property complete with fully-rented units and amazing tenants – a real 'mermaid/unicorn' of a property with mixed commercial and residential use walking distance to the new commuter rail? FOMO ALERT!”

A Neighborhood Rich in Wareham History

Situated right where the Wareham River meets the Parker Mills Pond, you could walk across the street and launch a boat, walk out your back door for breakfast at the Mill Pond Diner, or visit your next-door neighbor, the historic Fearing Tavern that dates back to 1690.

READ MORE: New Bedford's Pour Farm Tavern Expanding to Main Street in Wareham

Across the street is the also-historic Tremont Nail Factory, built in 1819 on the site of a cotton mill that had been burned by the British in the War of 1812. The current structures date back to 1848, constructed following a fire at the original nail factory.

The Property Is Drawing Immediate Interest

According to Aussant, in the nine days since the property was listed, there have already been “so many calls and showings,” so hopefully it ends up with the right steward to continue on its historic legacy, as the Assads did for the past 30-plus years, while also moving it into the future.