McCloskeys

McCloskey's General Store
by Kellie Underhill

In New Brunswick, there aren't many businesses like W.R. McCloskey's in Boiestown.

"There's not too many old General Stores anymore," Brian McCloskey says.

In this day and age, W.R. McCloskey's offers an unusual and unique shopping experience. They sell hunting, electrical and plumbing supplies; footwear; hardware; a large selection of groceries; meat; dry goods; winter coats and much more. They are one of the oldest General Store's in the province.

"We've been around so long that we have some unique things. People like to look at the old lanterns, lamps and other things they don't see in every store," Brian says. "There's some old stock around. We still have some clothing that dates back to the 60's and 70's. Kids come in and we sell them a pair of bell-bottom pants for a couple of bucks. Stuff like that. We still have all that old stuff upstairs, like footwear. People like to browse and sometimes get a bargain or two."

Not long ago they shipped washtubs and washboards to Sarajevo. McCloskey's has sold a little bit of everything throughout the years, even caskets.

Since his graduation in 1974, Brian has helped his parents, Darrell and Hazel, manage the business. The store has been a part of his family for almost 200 years.

In 1819, thirteen-year-old Patrick McCloskey arrived from Ireland and started selling. From a pack he carried on his back, Patrick peddled goods all along the Miramichi River, venturing as far North as Bathurst.

After some time he bought a horse, wagon and trunk to use as a travelling store. The original trunk, which he had painted red, is now part of the collection at the Central New Brunswick Woodsmen's Museum in Boiestown where Patrick eventually settled. He ran the store until his death in 1886 and then his wife, Sarah, took over. Patrick's gravesite can be seen at the Old Cemetery in Boiestown.

Patrick and Sarah's son was the next family member to run the business. William Reginald McCloskey gave the store its name, W.R. McCloskey's. When William died in 1913, his son Hedleigh seized the reins.

Eventually Hedleigh's sons Darrell and Vincent also helped run the business. But when Hedleigh died, Darrell and his wife Hazel, inherited the store.

McCloskey's was re-built in 1952 when the original store from 1912 burnt.

The only thing that's really changed about the business since Brian started is the addition of the liquor agency in 1991.

Brian says the secret to longevity in business is knowing your customers and offering them good friendly service.

"Plus we carry a wide variety of things, so people don't have to travel into Fredericton after them. We have it here. I think that helps," he adds.

If they don't have it, Brian says they will order it in special for their customers.

In recent years, they've become a bit of a tourist attraction. People stop by at the suggestion of tourism operators in the area like the Woodsmen's Museum and Pond's Resort.

"We have a lot of China dishes, souvenirs and that sort of thing too," Brian says.

McCloskey's is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 9am to 5:30pm; and 9am to 9pm on Wednesday and Friday.

They are located at 6156 Route 8 in Boiestown. For more information call 506.369.2282 or fax 506.369.1803.

Brian laughs when he's asked who will step in after him.

"Good question. I don't know. I've got two sons, I suppose one of them might be."

The only thing for certain is that the business will continue in the family for many generations to come.

Kellie Underhill is the editor of Bread 'n Molasses. Her writing credits include The Moncton Times-Transcript, The Brunswick Business Journal, The Atlantic Chamber Journal and The Reader magazine. Send comments about this article to editor@breadnmolasses.com.