March 29, 2024
BANGOR DAILY NEWS (BANGOR, MAINE

Portsmouth residents fuming over forced move of cigar store> Rally organizer says smoke shop, bus depot crucial to city’s identity

PORTSMOUTH, N.H. — Residents have rallied behind a cigar store and bus stop that is being forced to move after 74 years at the same location.

“A year from now, Federal Cigar will be alive and well in downtown Portsmouth, albeit at a different location,” owner Leonard Seagren promised Saturday at a rally “To Save Federal Cigar.”

The store’s landlords, Milton and Dixie Pappas, plan to renovate the building and rent space occupied by Federal Cigar and the former Depot Restaurant to Bagelworks, a Keene business.

News of the change galvanized free-lance writer and Portsmouth resident Christine Gardner to mount a petition drive, rally and march to save Federal Cigar.

Although 1,000 signed on for the petition, fewer than 100 turned out for the march. But charged by flags, music and handmade signs, the protesters didn’t want any move.

“Save the smoke shop from heartless capitalism,” “Buses not bagels,” and “Save our butts,” some of the signs read.

“Small things are important. A city gets its identity from places like Federal Cigar. If you lose it, you’re ripping out part of what makes Portsmouth unique,” Gardner told the crowd.

“For 74 years, Federal Cigar has been home to political debates and visits; out front, men and women have kissed goodbye as a partner boarded the bus for Boston or maybe San Francisco. It is historic, but it is not a relic.

“Mr. and Mrs. Pappas, please don’t take the shop from us. You will take part of the soul of our city,” Gardner pleaded.

Gardner suggested the owners rent only the old Depot to Bagelworks and allow Federal Cigar to keep its location.

Later, Dixie Pappas, a Portsmouth resident, said, “There are vacancies right up the street; he can relocate. We’re not taking Federal Cigar away.”


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