Douglas text

A photo of the N.F. Douglas and Co. Ltd. store in Caledonia

About the Store

N.F. Douglas’ Store, located in Caledonia, is one of Caledonia’s oldest and largest merchants. Although N.F. Douglas’ is a Home Hardware store and also a Home Building Centre, they also carry a selection of groceries. A more complete list of things stocked by N.F. Douglas’ includes the following:

  • Express VU Satellite Systems
  • Building Supplies
    • Lumber
    • Paint
    • Plumbing Supplies
    • Electrical Supplies
    • Hand & Power Tools
    • Camping Supplies
  • Automotive
  • Cleaners
  • Garden Center
  • Craft Supplies
  • Groceries
  • Deli
  • Sporting Goods
  • Giftware
  • Souvenirs

The friendly staff of N.F. Douglas’ look forward to serving you in the future!

A History of the Store

This coming year will not only mark the start of a new millennium but also the 125th anniversary of N.F. Douglas and Company. In 1875 North Queens was well known for its lumbering activities and Milton Douglas, great-great grandfather of current store owner, Blair Douglas, opened a small store to provide the necessities for the men and families who worked for him in the woods. While such basic needs of the community as food, clothing, shelter and tools are still the same today as in 1875 they would have been met in more basic ways. Barrels of flour in 1914 have been replaced by smaller bags of flour, already baked loaves of bread, and packages of cookies. The old account books show purchases of staples such as beans, sugar, molasses, salt , pepper and other spices that were used to supplement the family garden and wild game. Whereas light bulbs and extension cords are part of our sales now before it was kerosene and lamp wicks- which is not to say that we still don*t sell kerosene and lamp wicks!

The original store was at the corner of Church Hill opposite the Anglican Church, but in 1889 the records in the recording office in Liverpool showed that Nelson Foster Douglas, one of Milton's sons and proprietor of the store, purchased the lot where the current store is now located. In 1907 the storewas built in its present location and the stock from the older store was carried and put into place in the newly completed store.

In 1914 Nelson Foster died and the store was run by the estate until 1916 when his five children: Perry, Lee, Helen, Viola and Dora incorporated and took over the running of the store. Over the years Perry and Lee eventually took over the management of the store and its interests. Lee and Perry eventually passed the business on to Lee's son Nelson. Nelson stayed with the business until 1992, having previously brought his son Blair into the family business. Blair continues the family tradition.

The store has progressed through different stages, first as an independent hardware dealer, then as a Dominion Hardware associate, and presently a Home Hardware dealer. In 1990 the store underwent a major expansion--more than doubling in size.

The store is proud of its history and continuing involvement with the lumber industry. When the need was there at the turn of the century and again in the thirties the company was involved in gold mining and also served as a supplier to the gold mining industry.

Tourism has always been important to this area, from early guided hunting and fishing expeditions to our current campers and hikers at Kejimkujik National Park. The store works to meet the needs of those visiting our area.

Customers will find a blend of the new and the old at N.F.'s. Parents lift their children to pat the moose's nose, just as they were picked up by their own parents to pat the same nose. The sight of the huge sea turtle remains as striking as ever, still bringing forth the question, “Are these in the lake where we go swimming?” While sales are rung in on new computers with electronic technology, the original counters have the warmth and glow of well worn oak.

Starting in 1875 N.F. Douglas and Company has had a reputation for friendly service to the community and we continue to strive to maintain this tradition.

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