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The Nowell family has been operating a local Winchester business for almost 100 years. Five generations!
The first owner, George Russell Nowell, initially did “anything for a buck” type-of-work ranging from hauling and removing junk by horse and wagon and clearing fields. As his business grew, it included furniture and trash removal.
The business was passed on to his son, Frank. The first automotive truck replaced horse and wagon, and the primary focus was moving residential and commercial furniture. One can only imagine the excitement when the company purchased the first truck.
However, there was a heavy rain the first time the truck was on the road. The truck got stuck in the mud, and a trusty horse freed him. I think you could call it a one horse powered truck.
Frank passed his business to his son, George Sr. While the primary service still involved furniture moving, the business continued to expand to include trash removal.
George Sr. purchased Winchester Rubbish Removal, a local business, and renamed it Winchester Rubbish Removal & Recycling in the early 2000s. He also purchased the land and building on Cross Street.
Multi-generational business
George Sr., at 80 years of age, arrives at work every day of the week. While he manages the business, his wife Judy has been the glue that has held everything together since joining the company more than 20 years ago.
George Jr., who started to work in the family business when he was a young teenager, is responsible for the day-to-day operations. After 40 years, he obviously loves his job and is so proud that his family has served the town for so long.
Charlie, George’s son, is one of the crew chiefs and managers. He started to work at the business outside of school hours when he was in middle school and has been hard at work since then.
Frank, George Sr., George Jr., and Charlie were all educated in the Winchester School system.
George Jr. tells me that since 1928, at his best count, “there have been at least 30 family members that have worked for the company since its inception. That includes great grandfathers, grandfathers, fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, husbands, wives, aunts, uncles, nephews, and nieces.”
The company owns six trucks for rubbish and recycling, two trucks for moving, and currently employs 11 people.
Winchester Rubbish Removal & Recycling serves 1,250 residential and commercial customers in Winchester. In 2025, they expect to do1,900 pick-ups per week. As a result, 545 tons of trash and recyclables will be removed this year.
G.R. Nowell & Son Movers work state-wide. In 2024, 700 moving jobs included entire houses, commercial businesses, apartments, rooms, or single pieces of furniture.
It’s no surprise that a company that has been in business for decades continues to be successful based on their great reputation. Their customers are multi-generational as well. A number of their customers have parents and grandparents who were customers too.
When asked what comes to mind that is meaningful to them, George Sr. is proud that “throughout the years, we have had the privilege of moving furniture and equipment in every former and existing school in Winchester. We’ve also moved at the public safety building, the Town Hall, and the library.”
George Jr. added “for eight decades, we have been lucky to help close out the annual En Ka Fair by loading up booths and games.”
George Sr. has been a Town Meeting member for 40 years. In addition to being elected to Town Meeting 20 years ago, George Jr. also serves on the Board of Assessors.
