General Store

Edward Seebach, born in Mitchell, Ontario in 1886 met Al Huble in Fort George in 1903 and formed what would be a lifetime business partnership. Ed acquired a preemption of land adjoining Huble's and worked to build the small business empire the two would operate on the Giscome Portage. Ed Seebach died in 1932 at the age of 46.

The original false front store was built in 1913 on Al Huble's 336 acre preemption. Erected to accommodate the increase in business that he and partner Ed Seebach were enjoying in their general store, the prominent new building was a beckoning symbol of civilization to river traffic which included construction crews for the Grand Trunk Pacific Railroad, paddle steam boats, prospectors, trappers, and homesteaders.

The twenty-seven settlers living in the area could purchase everything from candy and tobacco, to clothes, tack, hardware, and staples such as flour, rice, and beans. After purchasing their 'outfits', travellers and homesteaders could catch up on the news of the world in conversations with other customers. The prices in the store were known to upset the occasional traveller as the business partners charged higher prices for luxury items such as cocoa and sugar.

Unfortunately, the General Store no longer accepts furs in exchange for merchandise

Customers could trade their furs, arrange to have supplies freighted to Summit Lake, hire a river guide, or buy fresh fruit and vegetables. Upstairs in the store was an office where the owners counted their earnings and kept track of customer credit.

World War I and the popularization of the automobile would have a negative impact on Seebach & Huble Merchandising. They opened a Post Office in the store in 1915 only to see it close after two months. The number of people passing through the trading post steadily declined. By 1919 a road from Prince George to Summit Lake was completed, bypassing the Fraser River post entirely. That year the store was closed and the partners moved on to operate other businesses in Prince George and surrounding areas.

Seebach & Huble General Merchandising officially reopened to the public on July 20th 1997. The Store was reconstructed based on historic photographs, diary excerpts, and the recollections of the Huble children. Today the Store sells a wide variety of old-fashioned candy, breakfast and lunch at the barbeque, and a unique selection of locally hand-made gifts and products.

Our friendly staff are waiting to serve you!

Our wonderful staff will help you select the perfect gift! Or .. enjoy a cup of coffee and a piece of Hubleberry Pie.