In 1911, Russian immigrants Joseph, Sarah, Arthur, and William Unobskey became U.S. citizens (son Charles was born in the United States) and moved to Calais, opening a clothing store called “Unobskey’s Store.” Joseph died in 1922, leaving Sarah and her sons to run the growing business.

Sarah was renowned for her “unusually strong personality and far sighted business acumen.” Over time, the Unobskey family expanded their retail holdings, building a commercial block that included a movie theater and professional office buildings.

Business success allowed Sarah Unobskey’s, children to attend college, travel, and participate in Maine’s civic and political arenas. Two of her sons, Arthur and Charles Unobskey, traveled extensively for work in their clothing store, and pleasure. Lillian Unobskey married to Arthur.