1848 General Store Ledger

When the first train came to Kalamazoo in 1846, it was the beginning of a new day for the settlers in the region. The train brought in many more goods than could be brought in by wagon. The train also brought goods in more often, and it gave the settlers more choices at the general store. With a wider selection of goods, life on the frontier became a little nicer with each passing day. The items you see in the display cases and on the hands-on wall are the types of things settlers could purchase. Each can be found on the pages of the ledger book displayed in the case in front of you. The ledger dates to 1848, and it's from the Goss & Darling general store in Kalamazoo. Mr. Darling recorded every purchase made in the store, every item traded with him, and all payments that shoppers made on their accounts. Before you leave, take a look at the ledger and Mr. Darling's handwritten entries. Can you make out any of the items sold at the store?