Will Silk's Carrying on tradition in Cookstown

On the main street at the heart of Cookstown sits an historic Victorian building which has housed an old-tyme general store for nearly one hundred and fifty years. The structure that became Will Silks General Store was built in 1860 and during its early years housed stores selling such staples as coffee, cheese, grain, and salt. Around 1970, William Silk and his wife purchased the building. In keeping with its tradition they stocked a myriad of products, from penny-candy to antiques. Although Will Silk no longer owns the building or business, it carries his name as a tribute to bygone days.

Laurie and Glen Munroe purchased the building in 1986. They kept the by now traditional name, and although they specialize in antiques, as well as Aladdin Oil Lamps, collectibles and giftware, the old-time candy counter remains. With its pine floors, tin ceilings, and long-form counter the charming old building will take you back to a simpler time. The store is packed to the rafters, and customers often visit to browse for near-forgotten items from their childhood.

Laurie and Glen began specializing in Aladdin Oil Lamps in 2003. These wonderful kerosene lamps produce a bright white light equivalent to a 60-watt lightbulb. They burn 96% air and 4% kerosene, therefore burning very cleanly and with hardly any odour. Aladdin lamps have been around since 1908 and the company remains in business today. Will Silks stocks over 40 unique Aladdins as well as parts for other oil lamps. Laurie can service any type of oil lamp and will provided any needed information free of charge.

The store is filled with antiques, most from local estates. Laurie provides a much needed service to people who need to downsize. She can sort your treasures for you and give approximate values. Several entire estates are on consignment at Will Silks as well as some items sold on the internet. Overall, internet prices are now low and most items are therefore sold in the store itself. There are many ways to deal with an estate and it doesn't hurt to learn what you can about your treasures before parting with them. Laurie's ten years of experience and other research tools will certainly be of help to you. Best of all, consultations are free! You can contact Laurie at 705-458-9212 or email her a glen.munroe@sympatico.ca