Earle Perry Charlton's estate Pond Meadow at Westport Harbor. Charlton gained retail experience as a sales clerk in Boston. In 1889 at age 26, he opened his first Five and Ten Cent Store in Fall River. By 1910 Charlton had over fifty stores; and in 1912 he merged with F. W. Woolworth, being named First Vice President of that chain. Charlton built his castle estate, Pond Meadow, in 1918 with six marble fireplaces, an eight-car garage, and a bowling alley. He enjoyed Pond Meadow until his death at the estate in 1930 at age 67.