DuFRESNE'S SuperMARKET

268 Aiken Street, Little Canada

Submitted by Janine Whitcomb

Photo credit: Janine Whitcomb

Leo Dufresne and his dad owned Dufresne's Market in what was known as Little Canada. The customers were mostly of French Canadian decent. Business was very good, and there was always a strong sense of family and friendships.

Times were changing though. There were discussions in the city government where some felt the neighborhood's structures were depreciating. Soon "Urban Renewal" stepped in and demolition was in the plan. Leo was faced with an offer and an option to relocate. After much consideration he decided it was best to close the family business. He knew that there would be a dismantling of Little Canada, and nothing would be the same again. 

It was time to move on.

Photo credit: UMass Lowell Libraries Archives and Special Collections