By : Meredith Mackeen.

The former Wright’s Store in Fulford has been sold. After nearly 160 years operating as a general store, gas station and post office, its new owners have plans to reopen as a bicycle shop, catering to the area’s growing number of touring cyclists.

Property’s History

Tempo is grateful for the former owner Carla Wright’s account of the property’s history. The building was constructed about 1865, when Fulford was a hamlet of 50 inhabitants. The first owners were Mr. Dion and Mr. Bouchard.

Katherine Connerton operated the store in the early 1930s after her husband’s death. It included a barber service provided by her son, Charlie Dunn.

Oscar Davis purchased the store in 1939. “Oscar was truly an entrepreneur,” Carla Wright said. “When electricity arrived, he quickly added appliances such as washers and televisions to the groceries, hardware and gas already being sold. He was also responsible for the building of the skating rink and shack, which became the Fulford Hall. The store was the meeting place for the villagers to chat and watch TV. Saturday night hockey sitting on a barrel eating pickled eggs and a slab of bologna.”

The Wright’s Store era began in 1964, when Hugh and Betty Wright acquired the property, and added the post office.

“While Hugh ran a dairy farm, Betty was postmaster and storekeeper, while raising three boys in the home above the store,” Carla said.

In 1986, Robert and Carla Wright acquired the business from Robert’s parents. “The store carried a full selection of groceries, hardware, paint, pet food and gasoline. A few years later a liquor permit was obtained and wine and beer were added – something Betty never wanted,” Carla recalled.

The stucco on the exterior walls was replaced with clapboard in 2003 to restore the store’s original appearance. New windows also were put in. “Much to the locals’ dismay, the gas pumps were removed in 2009,” she said.

A Community Hub

“The store continued the tradition of being the meeting place to catch up on local news,” Carla said. “We were very involved in the community through the Social Club and Recreation Club, and the store provided many supplies for all the events. Over the years, Wright’s Store T-shirts and sweaters were worn by many ball, broomball and hockey teams.” The latter are still worn at tournaments to today, Carla added.

“The store was the spot that new residents loved to show to their friends as it maintained that old country look.”

Closure and Future Plans

Wright’s Store closed in September 2020 but remained open as a post office until Carla retired in September 2024. The sale to David Morleghem and Samuel St-Pierre closed this past January, and renovations to for this purpose are underway.