The History of Silverton General Store
Built in 1897, the Silverton General Store has served the Slocan Valley for over a century. Please enjoy this abbreviated history of the store and the major renovation project of 2024 to re-open and revitalize the historic building.
Stay tuned for a Silverton General Store history book written by Henning Von Krogh and Danika Hammond. Coming soon!
Early History
1897 - 1973
The building was constructed in 1897. Boasting three floors with over 13,000 square feet. The building started as the Wakefield Mining Building and was purchased by TH Wilson (Harry) in 1912. Harry had previously purchased Hunter's Store in 1903, and moved the business to 222 Lake Ave where it became Wilson's General Store.
In 1945, Harry sold the business to JL Wilson (no relation) who continued to operate General Store until 1971 when he sold it to V. Hill. Two years later, the Hammond family arrived from the United States and have retained ownership for over 50 years.
The Hammond Family
1973 - 1997
It’s 1973. Merrill Hammond and his eldest son Clyde drive around the “bluffs” to the awe-inspiring sight that is Slocan Lake. A biologist, father of 5 and grandfather of 9 and counting, searching for a new home in a new country. Hailing from Upham North Dakota, they found Silverton, an old mining town, and purchased the historic Silverton General Store (SGS).
Over the years, the family grew with multiple generations living and working in the building. Steve and Lee, Merrill's youngest sons, started the Irly Bird, Silverton Building Supplies in the basement which grew into such a success they built a new building next door and moved the business into its own home.
Silverton General Store operated until the mid 1990s when Merrill and his wife Charlotte passed away in New Denver pavilion, 1996 and 1997 respectively and Clyde and his wife Trudy retired and moved away.
The building was then rented out to the Ryu family who operated Bigway Foods for over a decade.
Revitalizing the Store
A new era of the Silverton General Store
Danika, youngest grandchild of Merrill and Charlotte, daughter to Steve and Katrina, grew up in New Denver and Silverton. As she was told stories of her aunts, uncles and cousins all running the general store, and her dad and uncle starting the building supplies, she became inspired. Following university she returned home to bring new life to the building.
In 2023, Danika and her mom Katrina started the renovation project as Steve suffered from numerous health conditions. In April, 2024, Steve passed away at home, surrounded by his family. Danika and Katrina were able to re-open the business on Father's Day, 2024 in honour of Steve's memory.
Now, Silverton General Store pays homage to it's long history as a general and grocery store.
We want to thank all our contractors and community volunteers for helping us with the Silverton General Store restoration project. We couldn't have done it without you!
An empty building
Silverton General Store sat relatively empty for nearly a decade between 2015 - 2024. During this time Dixie ran a lamp and antique store and Robin had Koots Kids Clothes.
In memory of Steve Hammond
September 23rd, 1951 - April 23rd, 2024
Keep on Truckin'