Harvey P. Bissell, once a power in state and town government, would probably be surprised that his name is known today only as a pharmacy. But the druggist-turned-politician would no doubt be pleased that his business is not only still alive, but is the oldest continuously operated retail store in Ridgefield. "Mr. Bissell was an indefatigable worker for his party and was highly regarded all over the state," The Ridgefield Press said at his death in 1930. Born in 1866 on a Morris farm, Mr. Bissell was educated as a pharmacist and came to Ridgefield in 1895 to operate the Main Street drug store still bearing his name. Five years later, he was elected a state representative, and later state senator for three terms from 1914 to 1920, when he was influential in reforming the State Health Department and narcotics laws. He was elected state comptroller in 1921, serving two years and gaining a reputation for efficiency. He was "influential in bringing about the building of concrete roads leading into Ridgefield in order to make it of easy access year round," The Press said. "This he believed would help attract many more of the most desirable people to our residential town." He served on the Ridgefield school board, and was a member of the Republican Town Committee for 16 years. Two weeks before Warren G. Harding died in 1923, the president named Mr. Bissell collector of customs for Connecticut. Calvin Coolidge reappointed him in 1928, the same year he finally sold his drug store. On the day of his funeral in 1930, the State Capitol closed in his honor.—Jack Sanders, Notable Ridgefielders, 2000
His obituary information appeared in The Ridgefield Press 4/10/1930 & 5/29/1930, as well as 1/8/1931