Smith Mercantile Company (Santa Rosa, N.M.)

George H. Smith, Jr. opened a general store in the new railroad town of Santa Rosa, New Mexico in 1901. Originally from Minnesota, Smith came to New Mexico for health reasons. His business, first housed in a tent, was called George H. Smith, Jr. General Merchandise. The store moved into a permanent building in 1902 that featured a sign boasting, "The Peoples Store - La Tienda del Pueblo." By 1911 the business operated under the name Santa Rosa Mercantile Company. In addition to general merchandise, Smith traded in hides and pelts and sold farm implements. Eventually, he expanded to real estate, buying and selling farm and ranch land in the area. In its last decade of operation, the business changed names again becoming simply the Smith Mercantile Company.

From the description of Records, 1901-1948, (bulk 1901-1904, 1946-1948). (University of New Mexico-Main Campus). WorldCat record id: 45535188

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