As May comes to a close, it’s also time to recognize the International Day of Families, a celebration of love, connection, and kinship.
To mark the occasion, Rossland museum staff are highlighting a sibling success story from the city’s early days: Robert and James Hunter.
This brother duo ran one of Rossland’s most prominent businesses — the Hunter Brothers Store.
According to museum staff, the store was a bustling mercantile hub that served a wide cross-section of the community.
It offered groceries, hardware, and clothing all under one roof, attracting both miners and families alike.
The original store was built in 1895 on Columbia Avenue, at the site now home to the Rossland Pool.
In 1905, the business relocated to the northwest corner of Columbia Avenue and Washington Street.
Though the Hunter brothers retired in 1907, the store kept operating under the Hunter Bros. name for decades.
It remained a fixture in town until 1952, when it was purchased by Eaton’s Department Store.
To explore more about the store’s history — and to hear a Rosslander’s personal memory of shopping there — visit www.rosslandmuseum.ca/hunter-brothers.
Have original photos that capture the city's rich history?
The Rossland museum welcomes contributions.
Staff can digitize images for preservation and return the originals.
International Day of Families is observed every year on May 15. It was proclaimed by the United Nations in 1993 to highlight the importance of families and promote awareness of issues relating to families worldwide.
