The Commanda General Store

An outstanding example of a High Victorian commercial structure, the Commanda General Store was built and occupied by James Arthurs (1866-1937) about 1885. It was strategically located on the Rosseau-Nipissing Colonization Road and during the more than two decades that Arthurs, who later served in the House of Commons and the Senate, was the proprietor it played a vital service role in the development of Commanda and the surrounding area. A multi-purpose structure that functioned both as a residence and a business, the building is distinguished by its boom-town façade with two-storey gallery and intricate wood trim. It remained in commercial use until the late 1970s. Restored by the Gurd and Area Historical Corporation, it was opened as a museum in 1981.

Remarquable exemple d’une structure commerciale de style victorien, le magasin general de Commanda est construit et habite par James Arthurs (1866-1937) vers 1885. Strategiquement situe aux abords du chemin de colonisation Rosseau-Nipissing, il appartient pendant plus de vingt ans a Arthurs, qui sera depute federal et senateur. Le magasin joue un role vital dans le developpement de Comanda et des environs. Servant de residence et de bureau, il se distingue par sa façade typique aux filles florissantes de l’epoque, sa galerie a deux etages et ses moulures de bois. Le magasin demeure ouvert jusquala fin des annees l970. Restaure par la Gurd and Area Historical Corporation, il devient musee en 1981.