In 1886, the Treadwell Company went into the general merchandise business and put up a 50 ft. by 30 ft. building for that purpose. The store was enlarged in 1889 when all of the company buildings were painted. The store was further expanded in 1894 and 1902, and by 1910, the Treadwell store was the largest, most complete, and best equipped general merchandising establishment in Alaska. The two-story emporium carried groceries, provisions, hardware, guns and ammo, tobacco and cigars, clothing, dress goods, linens, prospecting tools, and even sports equipment. The upstairs furniture department carried everything from beds and baby carriages to bathroom fixtures and was converted to a toy department at Christmas. A shoe repair section and the Treadwell Company’s three vaults were also located in the store. Alaska Treadwell Gold Mining Co. store ledgers survive from as early as 1891.
“Fireworks of all kinds at Treadwell Store”
Douglas Island News June 26, 1901