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Welcome to the General Store

A different way to shop
Curator's Cornerjune 10
Murdoch-Wilson general store

The general store refers to the “general” merchandise that the store would carry, not just one specific product type (like a clothing or hardware store). They typically sold dry goods, clothing, farm equipment and more. As Canada started expanding west, general stores would pop up along the track and stations in tents. A Virden example of this is with W. J. Wilcox, who travelled as far as Swift Current, Saskatchewan and would set up a shop whenever he could make a profit. When townsites started to develop, general stores would establish their businesses there; and no longer in tents. The first Virden general store is where the Alexandra Hotel now stands and was operated by George Dier. He worked with J. Young and would later sell his share of the business to Mr. Downs, and the store was then known as Young and Downs. Another was W.J. Wilcox and his new store built on Nelson and 6th, which was no longer a tent. From 1884 to 1885, he and his family lived in the store, which was also common for pioneer businesses. His store would eventually turn into one of the first department stores in Virden. He would also partner with other local Virdenites like Ramsay, Scales, Clingan and Rothnie. Other names associated with general stores in Virden are Meek, Murdock, Wilson, Clow, Schurman and, Carscadden.                   

The design of the general store was similar wherever you travelled across the country. Patrons did not handle all the goods they wished to purchase. As seen in the photo, items were placed behind the counter and on high shelves. If you wanted something, you would ask your shopkeeper to grab them. Some general stores were also known to accept payments of credit and trade goods or services for their products if cash was not available. Other things to do at the general store were to hear all the latest news and gossip, listen to stories the shopkeeper knew of passing travellers, and check your mail. It was common to see the general store and post office in the same building (and even run by the same people). A Virden example of this is with W. F. Scarth and his store, located on 6th and Nelson. Scarth was the first postmaster in the area, which is why he had a store like this. Scarth would later focus solely on his postmaster duties and sell the general store. Those who owned his store included Merrick, Anderson, and Pineo.  

Today, the general store is gone as the only source for shopping. Now, big brand box stores, well-known department stores, and online shopping centres take their place. The general store lives on as many Canadian historic sites have a general store or display. They keep their stores fully stocked for visitors to see what it was like to shop as a pioneer. 

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