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In June of 1947, James and Louise Harrington opened a beer and wine store known as the Chelmsford Wine Shop, originally located at 22 Central Square in Chelmsford. Then in 1951, James and Louise purchased their own store front at 37 Central Square, in the heart of Chelmsford Centre. In 1961, the Chelmsford Wine Shop was issued its full liquor license by the town, and the name of the business was changed to Chelmsford Wine and Liquors, Inc.
By 1972, the business had outgrown the small shop in Chelmsford Centre and needed to relocate to a larger location.
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The shopping center, just around the corner from the current location had an area of 3,600 square feet for rent. It was the perfect size and location, so Chelmsford Wine & Liquors made its next move.
In 1974, James Harrington passed away and his son John G. Harrington took over the business. John continues to be the President of the company. He started at the family business at the age of 12, by stocking the shelves and cooler as well as handling bottle returns. After high school, he prepared himself for operating the business by graduating from Andover Institute of Business and earning his Associates Degree from Mount Wachusett Community College.
In 1983, John took on the biggest venture of all. The store had outgrown the location at the shopping center, and the lease was about to expire. John purchased the property next to the shopping center and built am 8,100 square foot, free standing building with a full cellar. It was at this time that the name of the store was changed from Chelmsford Wine & Liquors, Inc. (not to be confused with another package store in town) to Harrington Wine & Liquors, Inc.
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