In 2021 the Sackville Harness Shop located at 39 Main Street closed its doors after being in operation for 100 years.
This two story wood frame building with shingles was erected in 1846. It was one of the first commercial buildings on Main Street.
It is designated as a Local Historic Place because of its Gothic revival style architecture of a commercial building. It was the only Harness Shop that produced handmade horse collars in Canada.
Sackville Harness Limited was established in 1919 and was incorporated in 1920. For a hundred years this shop produced a variety of leather goods, harnesses, and hand-made straw collars for draught horses in Canada and United States.
The company changed hands a number of times. Bill Long, a former employee purchased it in 1995 and ran it till its closing in 2021. A century long run came to an end.
Over the years Bill had to make several changes due to changing times. He brought in more horseback riding supplies, made wallets, leather bags etc. His top seller was a leather belt with bells that could be hung on a door knob.
Image Source: Indu Varma