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The Commanda General Store
Photo by contributor Jamie Toeppner - Posted November, 2005
Photo by contributor Michelle Basic Hendry - November, 2008
Plaque Location
The District of Parry Sound
The Township of Nipissing
In Commanda
at the Commanda General Store Museum
on Highway 522
Coordinates: N 45 57.101 W 79 36.323 |
 |
Plaque Text
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.
Related Ontario plaque
The Rosseau-Nipissing Road
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Here are the visitors' comments for this page.
> Posted February 22, 2012
One source says the hamlet was named for Commanda Creek, along which settlement sprouted on both sides. A post office named Commanda Creek opened in 1877, reflecting the name already in use by then. The post office was renamed Commanda four years later, in 1881. That doesn't answer where the original name came from, however. In 2000, columnist Doug Mackey wrote: "The source of the name Commanda--as seen on the village, creek, lake and cruise ship--comes from an Algonquin chief who brought his people to the area in the 1830s. The Chief, who spoke English, led a band of Native troops in the War of 1812 and picked up the name "commander" which later became Commanda. Due to overcrowding in his hunting and trapping area near Montreal, he traveled to the mouth of the South River on Lake Nipissing. Over the years he and his people traveled throughout the area".
For more, see: www.pastforward.ca/perspectives/august_252000.htm
-Wayne
> Posted February 17, 2012
I've been trying to find out who the town was named after. Was there ever a Mr or Mrs or Chief Commanda. Please respond to
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