BY GINGER KOZLOWSKI

While Robie’s Country Store is 165 years old, having been founded in 1842, the current building is 100 years old this month. It was rebuilt in 1907 after fire destroyed most of the original building.

To mark the occasion, members of the Robie’s Country Store Historic Preservation Corporation put together a time capsule containing memorabilia from today, meant to be opened by the future residents of Hooksett in 50 years.

While most time capsules are buried, Hooksett historian Kathie Northrup explained that this one will simply sit on a high shelf in the back of the store, complete with a plaque.

“That way, no one will forget that it’s there,” she said.

According to the store’s Web site, “Robie’s was the oldest business in continuous operation in Hooksett, operating since settlement times. The original building had a dock facility and received merchandise by river barge until the advent of the railroad in 1842. The business burned in 1857, was rebuilt, burned again in 1906, and was again rebuilt. George Robie bought the store in 1887, and over the next 110 years it was passed down from father to son.”

A few dozen people came out to mark the occasion, as well as to remember Ronald Corsetti, a member of the store’s board of directors, who died last November.

Rain forced cancellation of village tours sponsored by the Hooksett Historical Society, which will be rescheduled.

Robert Schroeder, president of the Preservation Corporation sealed the box with four lug nuts after taking a $1 bill from David Paquette.

“Who knows if that will still be around in 50 years?” said Paquette with a laugh.