This summer, if you’re looking for a unique destination, consider visiting Silver Islet and its legendary General Store. Whether you’re a local or from the surrounding area, it’s worth the trip to see some unusual artifacts on display. The store showcases a variety of special finds, some of which have been literally dug out from walls and floorboards like boots and even sheepskin condoms from the 1920s!

Frequent visitors might recognize some of these fascinating items, including one that recently gained attention on Facebook.

A Rich History

The Saxberg family purchased the Silver Islet General Store in 1985, running it until 2015 when it closed due to family health issues. In 2020, the Korkola family took on the challenge of restoring the building. The store has long been a staple for cottagers in the Silver Islet area and a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from Thunder Bay and those traveling the Trans-Canada Highway.

Meet the Owners

Sandy and Jeff Korkola, the dynamic duo behind the store, are known for their warm hospitality. We caught up with Jeff to get the latest updates from Silver Islet.

Interview with Jeff Korkola

Recently, a photo of a pair of 1800s boots discovered in the store’s walls went viral on Facebook. Jeff explained that it was common practice in the past to hide items in walls to ward off evil spirits. But the boots are just the beginning—there are many intriguing artifacts on display at the store.

If you’re curious to learn more take a listen here! Stream episode Interview With Jeff Korkola from Silver Islet General Store by country1053onair podcast Listen online for free on SoundCloud