The General Store

Teresa Shevchenko | Mar 31, 2016

Editor’s note: This article by Teresa Shevchenko was written in 2006 and we are republishing part of it as a tribute to Don Lavery, who passed away last week.

One of the joys of spending time at the cottage is stepping back in time to discover some of the old-fashioned general stores that are still operating in the area. These rural gems are an important part of Canadian heritage.

The concept of the general store actually dates back to fur-trading days when customers could buy everything from a shovel to cod liver oil all at the same place. They are however, rapidly becoming an endangered species. Big box stores, urban sprawl and changing lifestyles are making it difficult for general store owners to stay in business. Once the thriving heart of small communities, many general stores in cottage country stand empty and forgotten, a reminder of a different, simpler way of life.

This summer, cottagers in North Frontenac will surely miss a landmark. James General Store in Plevna, closed up shop in August 2005.

Proprietors, Don and Jessie Lavery moved from the Toronto area to the rural village of Plevna 16 years ago when they bought James General Store, named after previous owners. The store that had already been serving area residents and cottagers for many years was much more than a place to pick up the essentials. The business doubled as the only gas station within 50 kilometres, village post office, snack bar, butcher shop, bakery, book exchange, hardware and fishing supplies store and internet café. But most importantly it was the hub of the community - a place to buy the newspaper, have a cup of coffee, enjoy the smell of bread and homemade pies fresh out of the oven, and chat a while with the friendly staff.

”It was always my dream to run an old-fashioned general store. We really got to know our customers over the years and made many friends,” says Jessie. “We loved sharing stories with our customers. Saving newspapers for our regulars and remembering how they like their coffee was all part of the fun.”

While Jessie could usually be found at the front cash, Don spent most days behind the butcher counter at the back of the shop. Calling out to customers by name, he always made sure to save their favourite prime cuts and threw in an occasional bone for their dogs. If there was an item that a customer needed, but it wasn’t in stock, Don wouldn’t hesitate to find it in his own kitchen.

The Laverys, who lived in an apartment above the store, would open after hours for people who found their gas tank on empty or just needed some emergency cottage supplies. This small town helpfulness was one the charms of James General Store. Keeping up with the times, the couple designated a corner of the store as an internet café, during their last few years in business.

While the Laverys depended on the busy summer season, they felt a responsibility to stay open during the slower winter months for local residents, snowmobilers passing through and the occasional cottagers who braved the cold. But last summer when a larger, modern grocery store opened in Plevna, they realized that they could not compete, even though their customer base remained faithful. Sadly they closed the store, but not before throwing a party at the village community centre to thank all their customers for years of business. People came from far and wide to wish them a great retirement and to let them know that they will be missed.

“Now we’re enjoying the rest, but we will definitely miss the store and the people this summer,” says Jessie.

Diane Gray, owner of Battersea General Store, just 15 minutes outside of Kingston on Battersea Road, has been running the business with her husband Glenn for eleven years. “The store has been open for over a hundred years. We always try to carry a little bit of everything,” she says. “Our busiest time is cottage season.”

Discover these stores and others in the Kingston region and experience an integral part of Ontario history right on your doorstep.

Cottagers can do their part to help preserve the general stores that are scattered throughout cottage country. Here are a few suggestions.

If you generally bring in your supplies from larger urban supermarkets, but there is a general store near your country retreat, try to make a point of picking up some of your everyday purchases such as fresh milk, bread, eggs and your favourite paper. Every little bit helps.

Many general stores sell ice cream, coffee, desserts and snacks. Stop in and treat yourself and your family

Tell other people about your country store experiences. Word of mouth is one of the best advertisements and others will also want to step back in time and savour the old- time atmosphere.

Many general stores offer souvenirs like t-shirts, postcards and locally made crafts and gifts. Pick up a memento. It could be a collector’s item one day.