By Rayea Johnson
The Vanderhoof Department Store found its beginning in 1922 as McGeachy’s, owned by E.C. McGeachy on the south side of Vanderhoof.
That same year, Mr. McGeachy moved the store via steam engine to its current residence, moving his family into an apartment above the store. Between 1942 and 1963, the store changed hands 3 times, being bought by Ed Eby, followed by Bert and Mary Bowman, and the Harvey and Amy Reeves.
In 1979, the store was taken over by its 5th owners, Rich and Joyce Philpott and had by then become established as the store in town to find clothing, shoes, fabrics, stationary, and china. This legacy was then taken over by its current owners, Janet and Larry Bangs.
My grandparents opened the Vanderhoof Department Store in 1992 and have continued this century long legacy of service to our amazing community.
For some of you, the Department Store is where you would play while mom shopped, or maybe Janet and Larry were your first bosses in your first job. For others, the store is where you were fitted for your graduation suit, your wedding suit. It is where you bought your mother of the bride dress or that special tie to wear for your grandchild’s christening.
For many of you, it is where you go to buy thread and wind up buying the materials to make a quilt. Once completed, you bring it back to the store knowing that the employees will be so thrilled at what it is that you have accomplished.
Janet and Larry have cultivated in 30 years a store that has seen three generations of family work within it. They created a space that makes room for small local businesses and encourages creativity with every opportunity.
The Vanderhoof Department Store is a business icon in Vanderhoof, with a wide selection of fabrics, clothing, footwear, kitchen wares, and more. Join the Vanderhoof Department in their celebration of 30 years on Saturday June 4th.
With over $3,000 in donated door prizes from our brands and 30% off storewide, let us celebrate the hard work done by Janet and Larry.
Hot dogs and drinks will be available on the Burrard St., hosted by local 4H group—Nechako Valley Dairy and Beef.
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