South Effingham, fondly referred to as Taylor City, is a tiny picturesque village that straddles two towns, two counties, and two states!   It is situated on the border of New Hampshire and Maine.  It is unique in that the corner where 153 makes a sharp turn between the Country Gas General Store and the Ye Olde Sale Shoppe is actually partly in New Hampshire and partly in Maine. 

Earl Taylor has run the Country Gas General Store, which is part of Parsonsfield, Maine, for over sixty years.  He is well-known as quite a lovable character who has served as the self-proclaimed mayor of Taylor City for many years.  Across the street, his son, Bill Taylor, has operated Ye Olde Sale Shoppe, in Effingham, New

Hampshire for forty years. 

Ye Olde Sale Shoppe is a one-of-a-kind gift and antique shop, that is so filled with treasures that you can barely navigate the aisles!  To fully appreciate the contents (books, antiques, kitchenware, collectibles. candles, vintage Christmas items, penny candy, jams, jellies, glassware, knick-knacks, household items, decorations, etc.) you need to set aside a few hours!

Each Christmas for many years, the South Effingham Community Church has organized a free holiday concert as part of a Christmas

in Effingham celebration.  The five-member band, Bradigan, has performed the past two years. 

After the concert at the church, a bagpiper from Bradigan led a procession to the town’s Christmas tree, where singing takes place.  There is a count-down to the tree lighting.  Afterwards, many in

attendance visit the Ye Olde Sale Shoppe for refreshments

and holiday shopping.

Christmas in Effingham was chosen to be included in the Unique New England Experiences website because it beautifully illustrates the simple, welcoming, and traditional aspects of a holiday celebration that takes place in rural New England.