The store that operated for the longest period of time in Bridgetown was Matthew and MacLean’s. The first manager of this store was William E. Leard who came there in 1887. The store was later managed by John Stems, Leslie Hunter, Brian Clay, and Stewart Hunter.

Reginald Banks bought the Matthew and MacLean building in 1970. It was repaired and remodelled and he and his wife Vivian opened up “The Fairbanks” Restaurant in 1971. Later Reg made an addition to the building which served as a lounge. Many banquets and wedding receptions were held here and a dance on Saturday night in the lounge was a popular event with the “Downeasters” providing the music. This restaurant was welcomed by the surrounding public area as, prior to this, the closest one was in Montague or Souris.

Reg and Vivian had quite a successful business until October of 1975 when they decided to close up and return to the family farm. The “Fairbanks” was later operated by Leonard Campbell for a season.

Sometime around 1880, Miss MacKinnon kept a house where travellers were entertained at Dundas Corner. This was not a tavern but probably a small hotel. In later years Mrs. Martin operated a Hotel and Livery Stable near Dundas Corner. You could purchase a full course meal for 25¢ at this establishment. The Livery Stable could house ten to twelve horses and Vincent MacGillivary worked there for many years as caretaker.

in 1900 an advertisement told the virtues of the Dundas Hotel. “Good bathing and boating within a five minute walk. Near one of the best trout streams

in P.E.l. $1.00 per day. A nice summer resort.

The longest operating store in the whole area is located at Annandale. Sometime previous to 1855, Daniel MacAulay started astore in Annandale. In 1855, he was joined by James Johnston and the business became known as MacAulay and Johnston. After MacAulay’s death, Mr. Johnston took his nephew Edwin McFarlane into business with him in 1876. Mr. McFarlane later took on John MacPhee as a partner and the business was known as McFarlane and MacPhee. Mr. MacPhee was a partner for only a short time and Mr. McFarlane’s son Alec later took it over. He operated it until the time of his death. His widow, Mrs. Bernice McFarlane, still manages the store. It still retains “the old general store” appearance and is an interesting place to visit.

Many other stores operated for a time in Annandale. In 1845 Stephen MacDonald built a house in the village and started a business there. He gave way to Andrew Mclnnis who in turn gave way to Ralph Brecken who brought a supply of goods from Charlottetown. Mr. Brecken did not like Annandale and sold out to John Frost about 1850 who started a store a mile north of the village. In the 1860’s and 70’s other stores were operating in Annandale. They were run by George Basdit, Edward Goff, George Wise, Robert Howlett, Simon Conroy, A.A. MacDonald and 00., Thomas Taylor and Ronald Walhes. In 1898 Albert MacMillan was operating a store in Annandale.

in 1914, John Milton Morrow started a store in the front of the Annandale Lumber Co. which is presently used as a summer home by Mr. and Mrs. Ernest

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