Furnberg Store

General stores like the Furnberg Store were the one-stop shop in the 19th century. They sold everything from milk and foodstuffs to machinery and tools, to household goods and clothing.

In addition to selling this ‘general’ merchandise from which the general stores get their name, some served as an even larger multi-purpose space. For example, the Furnberg Store, serving as a post office, blacksmith, and printing press during its operation.

Before wheat dominated the industry as it did in the era of bonanza farming, small, self-reliant farms were most common. These farmers often produced much of their own necessities, growing what foodstuffs they could, and getting meat and dairy products from their livestock. As the region shifted to primarily growing wheat, more people purchased these goods from the general store instead, creating an even greater demand for the products of these stores.