The Smiling Cow gift shop in Camden, Maine, opened in 1940 when Margaret Hawkey Fisher and her husband Henry established the store at 41 Main Street, in a former garage that was relocated in 1919 from The Village Green. The Building overlooks Montgomery Dam Falls and Camden Harbor.
Named after a playful smiling cow sign painted by Fisher’s brother, the shop’s scenic location enhanced its appeal for Maine-themed gifts like maple syrup, fudge, and local crafts. Facing a 1973 condemnation of its riverside structure, the family reinforced the building to preserve its iconic view.
Fisher managed the store until 1980, when her daughter Meg Fisher Quijano took over, maintaining its April-to-October operation. In 2015, the shop marked 75 years with state recognition. By 2025, Quijano retired, passing ownership on to the next generation.
Now 85 years strong, The Smiling Cow building remains a cherished landmark.