Moments Project – The Hooker Dunham Block
Hooker-Dunham Block (1884)
Rivaling the Crosby Block diagonally across the street, George W. Hooker erected this building in 1884. Hooker lived across the street in a house located where Pliny Park and Brown and Roberts are now.
The Dunham Brother Company began in 1885 with one shoe store located at 135 Main Street in Brattleboro. It was started by brothers George, Charles and Lyndon.
From 1897 to 1900 the Dunham brothers built two six story warehouses in the back of the retail store and had 100 employees including office staff on the top floor.
By 1950 the Dunham Brothers Company was considered the largest independent footwear wholesaler in the United States. There were over 250 local employees and the six floors of the Dunham/Hooker Building on Main Street were completely occupied by the company. The Dunham brand became widely known for its work shoes, boots and casual footwear.
