Photo from the Carleton Place Canadian files from the Carleton Place and Beckwith Heritage Museum
A few weeks ago I posted this inquiry seeking information on the Devlin’s General Store in Black’s Corners. The general store was often the first business in a community and it was a place to meet people and hear the latest news. Devlin’s was a place that people never forgot, nor will they, and hopefully we will get more comments when this piece goes up. We have to begin somewhere.
Lori Devlin—My father-in-law Mervin gave me and his oldest son Jeff the only “talk” I got on the bench outside the store 38 years ago. He sat us both down on the bench after we told him we wanted to get married, and after some unconvincing conversation, he told us,
“Fine, but if you burn your ass you will have to sit on the blisters!”
Jeff and I are still happily married and I miss both my in-laws tremendously. We have so many fond memories of that store, I don’t know where to begin! Actually we could likely write a book about the shenanigans that went on there. I met so many great people at the store and I am looking forward to seeing the memories that are posted.

I am the 2nd oldest son. We were all taught to work hard. Everybody pitched in. Had a lot of great customers. Always an open house for family and friends. The kitchen was the gathering place. I came home one day and there was a bear being skinned on the kitchen table. Another day it could be a deer. Speaking of wildlife we had bantyrooster and chickens in the back yard and an outhouse for our gas customers. Every once in a while we would see a customer running with their pants undone being chased by a rooster.
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Steve– thank you so much for these comments and I am going to add them. HUGGGG
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HUGGGG
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To sum up my last comment. I want to thank our parents for teaching us the value of a dollar. Teaching us how to respect others, how being friendly is important. Thanks to their teachings and values, my wife and I have owned our own business for over 20 years. It is also a family business, that has employed a brother, sons, cousins, friends, wife etc. I miss them every day. Think of them often. Yours truly Steve Devlin.
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added:) thank you
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