The House concurrent resolution honors Melvin and Susan Coburn for their nearly 50 years of dedicated ownership of Coburns General Store in South Strafford, a cherished community establishment since the 1880s. The store, which operated as a full-service general store, provided a variety of essential services including groceries, banking, and postal services, while also supporting local events and fostering relationships with community members, including notable figures like musician Noah Kahan. After decades of service, the Coburns sought to retire and pass the store to a younger generation, which led to a successful fundraising campaign by the Strafford Community Trust to purchase the store for $1.8 million.

The resolution not only recognizes the Coburns' significant contributions to the community but also celebrates the successful transition of the store to a nonprofit ownership model, ensuring its continued operation and relevance in the community. The General Assembly expresses its gratitude to the Coburns and congratulates the Strafford Community Trust for their efforts in preserving this historic mercantile establishment. A copy of the resolution will be sent to the Coburn family, the Strafford Community Trust, and the store itself.