Built in 1938 by the Grindler Brothers as a grocery store, in 1942 this building was converted to a hardware store. In 1955 it became somewhat of a historic icon as it was expanded using reclaimed lumber and beams from historic
Camp McKinney. Founded in 1896, Camp McKinney is today a ghost town in the Boundary Country region of British Columbia. Established on the seemingly bright future of several gold mines, Camp McKinney thrived until about 1904, when the mines were played out and the miners and entrepreneurs moved on to other prospects.
For a number of years the building has been the home of
Home Hardware, a large Canadian hardware chain. The wording on this plaque indicates that Home Hardware itself was responsible for the mounting of the photos and plaques.
This plaque tells the story of this very building. This one is on the far right, when facing the group of five.
IN 1938 THIS BUILDING WAS BUILT BY THE GRINDLER BROTHERS AS A GROCERY STORE. IN 1942 MR. VICTOR FAIRWEATHER PURCHASED THE BUILDING CONVERTING IT TO A HARDWARE STORE. A MAJOR EXPANSION TOOK PLACE IN 1955 USING BEAMS & LUMBER FROM CAMP MCKINNEY. THIS CORNER HAS BEEN A COMMERCIAL ANCHOR FOR THE COMMUNITY SINCE THAT TIME. WE ARE HONOURED TO CONTINUE THE TRADITION OF OLD-FASHIONED SERVICE, SELECTION AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT. WE HOPE THAT YOU ENJOY THESE HISTORICAL MURALS AS WE CELEBRATE OUR PAST AND LOOK FORWARD TO THE FUTURE.
From the Historical Marker