This was the first building and served as a store from 1838 until it was destroyed by fire in 1912. This is a view looking at the store from the west.
People in front of the store are: John Meloy, D. G. Alter, James N. Groninger, David Towsey, Noah Hertzler, J. G. Hertzler, Harvey Maffett and Will Neely.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 8/3/09 - Image Year: 1880
The store at Old Port was one of the principle general merchandise stores for much of the Tuscarora Valley. It served as a hub for commerce before activities were shifted across the Tuscarora Creek to Port Royal.
Although the store has been owed by a number of merchants, it is probably most commonly associated with the Hertzler Family.
There has been two buildings. The first building was destroyed by fire in 1912 and a second building was put in its place.
The following item appeared in the Nov. 3, 1913 issue of the Port Royal Times: "J. G. Hertzler's new store building at Old Port will be ready for occupancy about December 1. When completed, it will be the most modern and up-to-state store building in Juniata County."
In 1929 the store was sold and the following account appeared in the Port Royal Times: Hertzler Store at Old Port sold. Last Friday, Mr. W. R. Moyer, of Berrysburg, Dauphin County, purchased the stock, fixtures and store room together with the store house that adjoins the store building at Old Port. This business was established in 1837 by the late Noah Hertzler, deceased, grandfather of the recent owner, and has been in the Hertzler name ever since. The new firm will trade under the firm name of W. R. & M. Moyer."
It is likely that the Moyers sold the store to Miles Heckendorn who inturn sold it to Glen and Martha Kepner. The Kepners in 1949 sold it to Bernal and Ruth Taylor. (Martha and Ruth were sisters.) After Bernal's death, Ruth operated the business until it was closed in 1970. (During the Kepner and Tailor ownership it was called the Old Port Trading Post)
Wayne Taylor, son of Bernal Taylor tells of having a shooting range in the second floor of the building. He says that railroad ties were stacked in the corner next to the Old Port Mill and a steel plate was placed in front of the ties. The shooters would use 22-shorts from an opposite corner of the building.
In 2020 the Address for this property was 26037 Route 75. Although it was not being used at the time as a commercial property, it was owned by an individual named St. John.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 4/9/12 - Image Year: 1880
NOAH HERTZLER STORE ADVERTISEMENT from the Juniata Star. (The date of the issue is missing, however an annual subscription to the paper was only one dollar per year.)
Contributed by rkohler3 on 1/24/12 - Image Year: 1886
NOAH HERTZLER BILL: March 1886 bill from Noah Hertzler to Turbett Township Overseers of the Poor for one year's rent for James Carter in the amount of $30.00.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 9/4/09 - Image Year: 1885
This is also the first store building and it shows the store looking from the east.
Contributed by ray on 7/22/11 - Image Year: 1900
This was the first building and served as a store from 1838 until it was destroyed by fire in 1912. This is a view looking at the store from the west. (Photo from the Steve Freeman Collection.)
Contributed by rkohler3 on 7/22/11 - Image Year: 1880
The front of the store on a busy shopping day. (Photo from the collection of Steve Freeman)
Contributed by rkohler3 on 9/4/09 - Image Year: 1900
This photo shows the intersection of Routes 75 and 333. The first Old Port Store is located on the left of the picture and the "Senator Hertzler House" is located on the right. The photo was taken about 1900.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 9/23/09 - Image Year: 1908
Alexander Kelly McClure "Mac" BRYNER in front of the Old Port Store about 1908. The Senator Hertzler house is clearly visible on the right.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 9/4/09 - Image Year: 1920
This photo shows the intersection of Routes 75 and 333 looking toward the Tuscarora Creek. The second store building appears on the left and the "Senator Hertzler House" appears on the right. The photo was taken approximately 1920.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 3/12/13 - Image Year: 1936
Advertisement from 1936 PRHS Yearbook.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 8/3/09 - Image Year: 1949
This is the second Old Port Store. (The first building was destroyed by fire in 1912.) During the late 1940s and 50s, the store was operated as the Old Port Trading Post by owners Glen D. Kepner and Bernal E. Taylor.
Contributed by ray on 3/21/13 - Image Year: 1952
ADVERTISEMENT for Kepner and Taylor Trading Post. Glen Kepner and Bernal Taylor were brothers-in-law, they had married sisters, Martha and Ruth McCachren.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 12/25/10 - Image Year: 1970
OLD PORT TRADING POST: The store is no longer in operation. Guessing that the picture was taken about 1970.
Contributed by kkint54 on 9/19/09 - Image Year: 1972
Old Port Store during the June 1972 flood. Curt Kint is in the foreground.
Contributed by ray on 8/23/09 - Image Year: 2009
This is the second Old Port Store building. Major renovations have taken place and much of the store is currently used as living space. A plumbing business and garage is operated from the lower level in the rear.
Contributed by rkohler3 on 5/18/14 - Image Year: 2007
OLD (TURBETT TWP.) PORT: an aerial view of the Village of Old Port, located where Routes 75 and 333 intersect as represented by Google Earth.
Contributed by ranjude on 3/24/17 - Image Year: 1970
MEMORIAL DAY 1970 PARADE: As the honor guard marches by, the Old Port Trading Post can be seen in the background. (Photo submitted by Randy Groninger)
Contributed by rkohler3 on 10/26/23 - Image Year: 1930
PAINTING OF OLD PORT TRADING POST BY HARRISON FRERICHS
Artist Harrison Frerichs' oil painting of the Old Port Store. Frerichs was the chairman of the Art Department for the New York City Public Schools. He built a stone cottage between Port Royal and Mifflin on Route 3011. It was at this location where he often spent his summer vacations. He was born in New York Aug 26, 1888 and eventually retired to South Pasadena, Florida where he died at the age of 87 on June 14, 1976.
