IT was the end of an era for both a beloved Portland couple and the town itself.

Sunday, August 4, saw Paper Nautilus finally close and bookstore owner George Dowden told the Observer he was sad to see his shop go.

“It’s not a very pleasant feeling actually,” he said

“I am sort of not very happy about it. But that is the way it is. The building has been sold, so we have to leave here.”

George Dowden and his wife Veronica took over the store in 2009 and for the past 15 years, reading enthusiasts have enjoyed browsing through shelves of books while classical musical plays in the background.

According to Mr Dowden it was on a whim.

“My wife loves reading,” he said.

“Once upon a time in our early days, we have been married 57 years now, she (Veronica) said ‘I’d love to have a bookshop one day.”

“I just happened to be walking past this shop and it was up for sale and I came straight in and made the lady an offer and that is how it was started.”

Mr Dowden said one of the greatest joys of running the store was seeing the same regular customers over the years.

“I love it” he said.

“When I see children about five or six years of age and now they are in their 20s and they still keep coming back when they’re in town to visit, it’s great.”

Asked what he plans to do in retirement, Mr Dowden said it was a good question.

“I'm very into classical music,” he said.

“And I love pottering around the garden, so just enjoying the garden and giving a lot more time to my wife and giving her a rest.”

“She’s been at it (running the store) with me for 15 years.”

Mr Dowden said he would like to thank all the people who have come into his shop.

“I’ve enjoyed their company,” he said.

“I've had some wonderful stories here, made some lovely friendships, and it's always good to see people coming back.”

Mr Dowden told the Observer above all he would like to thank his wife.

“Its been wonderful to have my wife (work with me),” he said.

“She has been the brains and worked really hard.”