That famous entrepreneurial Snow spirit seems to have continued on in Harry, who lived through a large part of the 20th century and became known in his hometown as “Mr. Orleans.” As the cherished only son of William and Annie, Harry had a quintessential Cape Cod childhood in Orleans, enjoying sailing expeditions and clambakes—and working at the family’s general store that, by the 1940s, sold thousands of items from housewares to radios.

After serving in World War I, Harry returned home, full of ideas for the expansion of the business. With all-American good looks that are captured in dozens of photos, Harry was so committed to the success of the family business that he handled company affairs while slogging through training camp down south.

Until the 1950s when his sons William, Robert, and Stan took over the business, Harry stayed one step ahead of the country’s evolving tastes. His influence continued to grow in the town, where he soon became the man to know to get anything done in Orleans. 

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About Susan Dewey

Susan Dewey is the associate publisher and editor of Cape Cod LIFE, Cape Cod HOME, and Cape Cod ART. She lives in Centerville on Cape Cod and enjoys gardening, sailing, walking on the beach, gallery hopping, cooking with fresh seafood, and exploring Cape Cod and the Islands from shore to shore.

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