Kennebec Fruit Company was the name of the store that sold Moxie and just about every kind of penny candy imaginable—along with fountain drinks, Coke, root beer, root beer floats, and more. It was where Jack went for penny candy before heading to the movie theater across the street.
Moxie is a carbonated beverage similar to root beer, known for its distinctive bitter aftertaste. It is very much an acquired taste, but one shared by many—enough so that Coca-Cola still owns and sells it.
Kennebec Fruit Company helped put Lisbon on the map. It remains a significant part of the town’s history. When the original owners passed away, Tony and Tracy Austin purchased the building. They renovated the interior while preserving as much of the original nostalgia as possible, including the metal ceiling, original floors, and historic photographs lining the walls.
They kept the original counter and mirror behind it—where Moxie and penny candy were once sold. Today, the building is home to a restaurant called Frank’s, which attracts visitors from near and far.
The Elcik Connection
Some might say Kennebec Fruit Company has nothing to do with the Elcik family. But it is almost certain that some family members stopped there while working at the Worumbo Mill, which stood directly across the street.
Elcik family members who worked at the mill include:
- John Elsik, Sr. — Washer
- Joseph Elcik — Washer
- Michael Elcik — Stripper
- Paul Elcik, Jr. — Finisher
- Mary Elcik — Carder
Another connection comes through the building’s later owners. Tony’s mother was a Karkos, a surname with two direct ties to the Elcik family:
- Annie M. Elcik (1905) married George F. Karkos in 1925.
- Mary Pelcarsky (1875–1936) and Anna Pelcarsky Karkos (1877–1940) were sisters. Anna married Joseph Paul Karkos (1867–1957) on August 12, 1893.
The Elcik connection to Moxie runs even deeper. For years, John Paul Elcik, III timed his vacations to coincide with the annual Moxie Festival. And there is the lesser-known fact that John P. Elcik, IV has often claimed Moxie as his favorite drink.
Just a small history lesson—but an important one.