The “Company Store”

As part of the rebuilding of Shelby Iron Works which began in 1868, a new commissary soon took its place among the other substantial and impressive brick buildings. Upon its completion, the “company store” was opened not only to iron company employees and their families, but also to the entire community. This was done by the company to help relieve the destitute condition following the Civil War.
The commissary had a basement and adjacent warehouse. A portion of the warehouse can be seen on far right of the photo.
Standing in front are Shelby Iron employees who staffed the commissary.

The Door to Shelby Iron

The office of Shelby Iron Works was moved into the new commissary building upon completion in 1870. This photo shows the doorway leading to that office.
We have only three identities of those pictured here.
Top row, standing, far left is A. H. Averyt, Shelby Iron Superintendent in the early 1900’s.
Middle row, seated, second from left is a Mr. Bowles.
Front row, seated, far right, is Shelby Iron Company Doctor Nelson.

Inside Shelby Iron Company Office

Beginning in 1870, the office of Shelby Iron was located in the new commissary, or company store, as it was better known.

From Clothing to Hardware and More

Constructed during the rebuilding of 1868-1870, the large three story brick building, situated across from the New Dannemora Hotel, soon became the commissary to the community of Shelby.
The well stocked store offered everything from clothing, to hardware, to coffins.
This building contained, in addition to the store, iron company offices and a basement laboratory. A large warehouse was located behind the commissary building.
During the late 1800’s and early 1900’s Shelby was a booming town and saw the addition of a number of other stores offering a wide variety of goods and services.