In a state as old as Maine, it’s never a surprise when we learn something new about our deep history. From old inns to beautiful museums, Mainers love to celebrate all the reasons why we exist today. The people we are and the places we visit are all the result of ingenuity and hard work stemming from those who came before us. This little general store in Caribou is no exception. Whether you live in northern Maine or somewhere else, you’ll want to know the story of how this store came to be!
The story of Sleeper’s in Caribou starts with a man named Joseph Sleeper Sr. who took a boat from Lebanon to the USA in 1910.
Sleepers Store / Google He arrived at Ellis Island with plans to continue to South America, but finding it too hot he chose to visit extended family in northern Maine.
It didn’t take long before he was making a name for himself selling wares to local farms in places like Woodland, Stockholm and New Sweden. This allowed him to save the money necessary to move to a horse and buggy operation to sell larger items.
Just 4 years later he’d saved enough money to purchase a small store. This store was just across the street from the current location of Sleeper’s.
Sleeper’s of Caribou / Facebook
The operation moved again in 1922 and in 1931 a new building was built to house the store. It still exists in this same place today! The store, in an area known as “the flat,” became an important part of the community, offering a place for locals to gather during the otherwise difficult days of The Great Depression.
Jessica Smith / Google
In 1957, Ike and Joseph Jr. took over operation of the store. Both were veterans, Ike serving in the Korean War and Joseph serving in the Navy during the same time period. In 1959, Joseph Sr passed away.
MARY Walton / Google
The store grew quickly from here! Some folks even remember that Sleeper’s was the first store to own a frozen food display case, allowing them to sell frozen foods year-round.
Sleeper’s of Caribou / Facebook
The store continued to expand and ultimately began selling both groceries and dry goods like clothing for the local working community.
Sleeper’s of Caribou / Facebook
In 1989, the store was purchased by another generation of the family, making this a three-generation store!
Sleeper’s of Caribou / Facebook Today, you can walk into Sleeper’s to buy groceries, their own line of marinades and rubs as well as high-quality clothing to get you through every season.
Sleeper’s Store is is open Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. On Sunday they’re open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. You can learn more about the history of the store as well as what they sell through their website. Or, visit them on Facebook. If you have more questions you can reach them on 207-498-8181. Address: 99 Lyndon Street, Caribou, ME 04736.
Sleepers Store / Google
He arrived at Ellis Island with plans to continue to South America, but finding it too hot he chose to visit extended family in northern Maine.
It didn’t take long before he was making a name for himself selling wares to local farms in places like Woodland, Stockholm and New Sweden. This allowed him to save the money necessary to move to a horse and buggy operation to sell larger items.
Sleeper’s of Caribou / Facebook
Jessica Smith / Google
MARY Walton / Google
Today, you can walk into Sleeper’s to buy groceries, their own line of marinades and rubs as well as high-quality clothing to get you through every season.
Here’s another old-fashioned store we love. This one is in Winter Harbor and it’s got just as much charm!
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