Dutton’s Grocery at Woods Cross Roads in Gloucester has been in operation since 1946 in almost the same spot. Some years ago, due to the widening of Route 17, the store was moved back a bit.
Adelaide Dutton Slaymaker is making sure that the store still serves the community, a purpose her father, Bill (Wilbur) Dutton, a World War II veteran, practiced. “Serving this community was always first and foremost with my dad.”Adelaide got involved following her father’s death in 1979. “He died on Thanksgiving Day. I came home to help my mother run the business in 1980 and from there I took the store over. It was always my dream to follow in his footsteps. I was my daddy’s tag-along. I grew up behind the counter. There were three of us and I was the only one who wanted to do what I am now doing.”
For these 40 years Adelaide has adjusted the business according to the times. Adding the restaurant section while sharing her love for cooking is one major addition. It all began with breakfast.
“The wi...