L. Orville Gross started his plumbing business in 1920 when
he purchased the firm of Arthur Halford. At that time the business was located
on Main Street in the building which is now The Village Restaurant. Next door
neighbors were Dougherty’s Store (now Cappy’s Chowder House) with Leo’s
Barbershop above, Florence Carr’s Beauty Shop with Bill Carr’s Barber Shop
above and Bunny’s Café, run by Ken Wadsworth.
In 1935 the plumbing shop was moved to 19 Mechanic Street to a building
that was at one time Mont Heald’s Garage. Next door neighbors during the
next 25 years included Roland Crockett’s Appliance Store, Nuccio’s Shoe
Repair, a harness shop and a Beer Parlor. The building has been used as a
Laundromat for many years, but recently was renovated to become additional
guest rooms for the Camden Riverhouse Hotel.
After serving as a Seabee in the U.S. Navy during World War II and in
Korea; Orville’s son, Lester, joined his father in running the business
and a partnership was formed in 1953. The name was changed to L.O.
Gross & Son in 1955.
In 1958 the firm purchased the building at 20 Mechanic street which
had been used in previous years by the Camden Farmers Union, “Teak” French’s
Texaco Garage, Boynton’s Garage, Fisher Engineering and as storage for the
Highland Mill. Next door, prior to construction of the parking lot was
Jameson’s Garage. Presently the building belongs to Harmon, Jones, Sanford and Elliot.
In December 1966, founder Orville Gross passed away. After having
achieved his master oil burner and master plumbers licenses, Larry
Gross joined his father Lester in the family business, in 1973.
In 1978 L.O. Gross & Son, in its third generation moved to Limerock
Street. The new location provided room for a showroom, some much-needed
parking space, and adequate storage for materials needed to service
their customers plumbing and heating needs. In 1983 Lester retired
from active management and Larry assumed control, with part-time
assistance from Lester. 
1978 move to Limerock Street, Camden.
In 1993 Lester Gross passed away, in 1999 Erika Gross Lougee
joined the family business as Office and Showroom Manager. In 2004
the business moved to its current location in Rockport.
In 2007, L.O. Gross & Son become L.O. Gross LLC when Larry entered into a new partnership
with long-time employee Roger Shafer.
After 89 years and four generations of family management, L.O. Gross LLC
continues to serve the plumbing and heating needs of families in the midcoast area. |
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L.O. Gross in doorway of new plumbing business, seen here with previous owner Arthur Halford, and Bill Carr looking out of the window of his barber shop.
L.O. Gross with one of the original plumbing trucks, approximately 1922.
L.O. Gross with one of his “new” trucks, approximately early 1930’s.
L.O. Gross Plumbing, 19 Mechanic Street, approximately 1940’s.
The business name changed to L.O. Gross & Son.
L.O.Gross & Son at the new expanded location on Mechanic Street. |
