This fascinating photo of Bill’s Smoke Shop shows its original kiosk location on the southeast corner of Main and Elm Streets — where the condos next to Vineyard Vines are now.
(Photo courtesy of Christopher Maroc, via Facebook)
It subsequently moved across Main Street, to what later became Westport Pizzeria, then ultimately to Brooks Corner, on the ground floor next to the stairs.
For those under a certain age who never heard the term, a “smoke shop” offered — along with cigarettes and cigars — candy, sodas, ice cream, newspapers, magazines and the like.
As the sign says, this one also sold hot dogs.
When Bill’s expanded into its final location, there was a full lunch counter — and arcade games and pinball machines in the basement.
Carmine’s was another popular smoke shop. It was located on Post Road East, not far from Main Street — between the Fine Arts movie theater (now Barnes & Noble) and Colgan’s (later Thompson’s) Drug Store (today, Tiffany).
Is Westport better or worse without a smoke shop today? Click “Comments” below.
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