Silver Islet General Store

Avery well-known landmark at Silver Islet, the charming general store, celebrates 150 years in 2021. Leading up to this milestone, let’s revisit this historic structure, learn about its original construction, and take a look at some of the exciting recent refurbishments.

In 1868, a silver vein was first discovered across the surface of a rocky island just over a kilometre off the shore of Lake Superior. Taking on the very challenging endeavour of extracting silver that ran under the icy cold and often tumultuous waters of this Great Lake, the American-owned Silver Mining Company of Silver Islet began operating its mine in October 1870. To support operations, mine superintendent Captain William B. Frue directed the construction of a company store on the mainland in the summer of 1871, which is the general store we see today.

American ingenuity built this two-and-a-half storey structure using timber framing and joinery. Much of the wood used was single-piece white pine sourced and cut at nearby Sawyer Bay. Steel bolts were also used in the building’s framing, while steel rods support the roof structure in the loft.

Built into the slope of the shoreline, the structure’s base uses 12 x 12-inch horizontal beams and vertical support posts to create the 35-foot-wide by 75-foot-deep footprint. A 28-inch-thick stone and mortar foundation was added after the timber base had been constructed to fill the space created by the sloping run towards the lake. This created a basement level that gradually reaches 14 feet tall at its tallest point, allowing for a ground level walkout to accommodate warehousing and storage. The original doors at this entry point remain in place today.

The clapboard-finished supply store that sold goods and staples to miners and their families also provided accommodations on its upper floors. Cedar shakes initially clad the roof, though they have long since been replaced. The roof in early days also featured a widow’s walk along the full length of its peak. Here wooden barrels of water were stored in order to quickly douse any fire that might break out.

The building’s single 58-foot-high chimney served the entire structure. Stoves on all levels had pipes that ran to the central chimney which acted as a heat source.

The mine’s closure in 1884 led to the store’s closure as well. Over the next century the store operated intermittently, particularly as Silver Islet developed into a summer cottage community. When the Saxberg family purchased the building in the 1980s, much work was needed to bring the old store back to life. Floors were rebuilt, windows were repaired, and the clapboard was painted the now-familiar blue. The tea room became a popular local destination when it opened in 1993.

Recently, Jeff and Sandy Korkola (Sandy is a member of the Saxberg family) have begun updating and restoring this wonderful building once again. Windows have been replaced and a new metal roof with skylights installed. A planned off-grid solar power system is also soon to be fitted. Even the original, well-recognized “Store” sign has been restored, soon to be hung again above the road facing entry. Neither the store nor tea room have operated since 2015, but this year, coinciding with the building’s 150th anniversary and the newly revitalized harbour, plans are well underway for a summer opening. Full details will be published on the Silver Islet General Store Facebook and Instagram pages.

A visit to the store, once open, will be like stepping into a living museum, offering glimpses into the life of a miner and the families of Silver Islet. Visitors can even play billiards on mine president Alexander H. Sibley’s vintage pool table. While there, enjoy the tea room with its light lunches, or the cappuccino bar. Ice cream will also be served. Laurie Abthorpe is the heritage researcher for the Heritage Advisory Committee, which advises City Council on the conservation of heritage buildings, sites, and resources, and their integration into development. For more information on the city’s heritage resources, visit thunderbay.ca/en/city-hall/heritage-in-thunder-bay.aspx.