Mrs. Woodruff paid her bill at Bixby's. Unfortunately, we don't know what she bought, but we do know that the Woodruffs were prolific readers and writers.
D.W. Bixby was born in the United States and came to Canada in 1854. He lived in Woodstock and Stratford prior to moving to St. Catharines in 1857. He established a store with his brother-in-law, Mr. Henry Izard. The store took up two floors at 37 St. Paul Street. On the first floor, you could find books and stationery. On the second floor, there was a great variety of wallpapers. In 1864, D. W. Bixby took sole ownership of the business. After Mr. Bixby's death in 1908, his widow ran the business. When Mrs. Bixby felt that the business was too much for her, she got in touch with Laurence Beattie who was once her employee. He ended up purchasing the business in 1926 at which time it was called Bixby-Beattie Co.
Beatties Basics was founded by D.W. Bixby. In this video, Beatties has traced their history through 150 years. It is a success story that has passed the test of time.
