This history of the J. F. Mossey General Store prepared this history in 1983. With permission, we have reproduced the article as it originally was prepared.The country general store is becoming a precious memory to those dependent on its cordial accomodation; but there is one still in operation at Bothwell, P.E.I. under the name of J. F. Mossey and Sons. We, the present employees are endeavouring to reconstruct a memorandum of its establishment and operation, from the history, which we compiled by research.
The business operating at Bothwell under the name of J. F. Mossey and Sons was established in 1902. At first it was a partnership composed of Frank Mossey, father of the present owners and his brother-in-law Freeman Muttart, both until then dory fishermen. As the partners had no cash capital originally, the store was supplied with merchandise by a merchant at Red Point, the late John E. Robertson. He was paid for the goods as sales were made and accounts collected less a commission of 10%. This was the total remuneration, less expenses to the partners. Mr. Muttart was also a farmer-fisherman and so took a limited active part in the business. Some years later, his only son Ed worked in the store with a view to becoming a partner in place of his father. Were it not that Ed was killed in 1916 in France during the World War I, it is reasonable to assume, that this business might be operating under its first name Mossey and Muttart.
The first store building was a most modest one-story structure about the size of a one car garage and was stocked with groceries and cotton goods. Mr. J. F. Mossey was quoted as saying that he could take stock by pointing his finger at the shelves and could be finished in half an hour. It was hauled from the shore where it had been a fish house.
Probably about 1905-06 a larger store was acquired when the Kingsboro Church was replaced with a new building. The old one was sold to Mossey and Muttart and they made half of it into the new store. Most of this is still incorporated in the present store building, although only partially recognizable because of several subsequent alternations. It is recalled that perhaps 50 years ago, the upper storey still contained on its walls white plaster, appropriately scrolled for a church which withstood the moving of the building from Kingsboro and subsequent renovations. The part of the old church building was not used as the store became a barn on the farm of Freeman Muttart but it is no longer standing.
In the years of 1915-20 the store facilities were enlarged again by the acquisition of a store building that up until then had been operated at the corner of the Munn's Road-Bothwell Highway by William Stewart, father of the late Wellington Stewart. When the present new main store was built in 1945-46, the late Alden MacDonald bought the above mentioned, and moved it for his use as a workshop. In the earlier years of this century many general and/or grocery stores operated east of Souris, some less than a mile from one another. Many of these stores not only carried on business at their location, but also, by way of a "peddling wagon" - virtually a general store on wheels. which circulated throughout the communities, from which patronage was much sought and appreciated by the people and their children especially before the days of better roads and automative travel. Some merchants doubtles could attribute their progress to the fact, that this service won many loyal patrons and established long-lasting friendships.
The peddling wagon route, covered by J. F. Mossey and sons, operated from East Point through Greenvale (then a well populated neighborhood) to the Baltic, and to all communities inside this area. A separate route was designated for each of the six working days of the week, and this program was faithfully followed from May through November, weather conditions not withstanding. The country people depended on it in large measure for their supplies.
The wagon operated by J. F. Mossey and Sons was itself a well equipped and colourful vehicle. Drawn by one sturdy, patient horse, it had a red body and bright yellow under structure. It is regrettable indeed, that it is not around to be seen as a museum piece, by the children of today. It probably measured nine feet from the ground to the top. The superstructure from end to end, was divided into compartments for carrying neatly packed merchandise. Three or four trunks carried above were for small dry goods, boots and shoes, while a variety of patterned yard goods, etc. was stored in the back, and above, a drawer having the capacity for several dozens of eggs, brooms, garden hoes, or other such hardware in season, were secured upright to both sides of the wagon box, along with an ample supply of kitchen tinware.
The wagon called at the door of nearly every customer, but those homemakers who wished it so, (perhaps, because their lanes were long and hilly), awaited their weekly summons to the roadside by a horn that was blown lustily, and again as "the wagon" left its last stopping place. At meal-time the feed bag was put on the horse and the driver-salesman joined, with a welcome, in the family meal, usually at no financial cost. Perhaps a 12 cent package of sugar would be accepted by the hostess, with objections. At the same time, however, she may I have spent a few minutes before dinner, bargaining for a 1 cent per yard reduction on the price of calico. There were two separate things - essential family economics and "Island" hospitality.
The wagon was stocked sufficiently for the day's route with a representative supply of whatever merchandise was carried at the store except that some things, like molasses, and oil for the lamps and chicken feed were supplied on one week's notice.
Some of the weekly purchases were "charged" while many were paid for at wagon-side with farm products. Homeward bound at nearly dusk, the wagon was more colourful still, with its dozens of breakable eggs stored in bulk and sheep skins on the axles and sundry bartered commodities including old rubbers and horsehair where they could be tucked on board. In the early days of "peddling" it would be a good day when the cash receipts were $20.00.
J. F. Mossey drove the wagon between 190)-1929, Willie Mossey 1910-1914, Basil Mossey 1914-1919, and Freeman Mossey 1914-1929. This wagon service was discontinued in 1929, as by then many had cars, or a younger generation preferred to visit the store. About the year 1912, supplies for the store was conveyed by train to Elmira Station, and picked up there by horse drawn vehicles, by a representative from the store. Groceries were purchased from Carvell Brothers, and hardware from Fennel and Chandlers. Hickey and Nicholson supplied the juicy figs of tobacco which sold at five cents a fig.
Groceries were sold in bulk, molasses, flour and vinegar were sold in barrels. Bread sold at 11 cents a loaf compared with 93 cents today and women in those days would hide a loaf of bread under their coats so they wouldn't be considered extravagant housewives. The country store was also a place for social gatherings. They talked, laughed and told stories, wiled away the hours by smoking or whittling chips. Many long winter nights were passed in catching up on the latest events of the neighborhood.
In 1939 a truck was purchased by J. F. Mossey and Sons who hauled their own freight, and also that, of other stores in the Eastern area. The store is now supplied by 65 wholesalers and delivery is made by wholesale vehicles and transfers.
For many years, groceries were delivered to .the homes by truck or car on a weekly basis, but this service was discontinued in 1963. In 1958, the store became a member of the Clover Farm chain, but it is still owned and operated by Bernard and Freeman Mossey, sons of the founding partner J. F. Mossey. Over the years the store has had many renovations. People have come from outlying areas to purchase articles that could not be found in larger stores, If an article asked for was not in stock, every effort is made to obtain it. Besides being very well stocked with merchandise, this store has a warm friendly atmosphere. One would travel a great distance before finding a general store to equal it.
Copyright
Waldron H. Leard
