Kean's General Store

Job Kean’s General Store was designated as a Registered Heritage Structure for its historic associations, architectural, and environmental value:

Kean’s General Store is historically valuable due to its association with the Kean family. The Kean family are well known in Newfoundland as one of the most successful sealing families in the province. Kean’s Store is one of only two remaining buildings in Bonavista Bay associated with the Kean family. The shop’s original owner, Captain Job Kean was a successful businessman in Brookfield and owned and operated eight fishing vessels out of the town. Kean’s General Store supplied these vessels and others with various goods and supplies.

Kean’s General Store is also historically valuable to the community of Brookfield as it served the needs of the community for over 75 years. The store supplied the community with dry goods and supplies as well as a variety of women’s clothing and hats, and a telegraph and post office were operated from the store.

Kean’s General Store is architecturally valuable as an excellent example of typical 19th century commercial property in Newfoundland. While the general store front is typical of commercial stores during this period, there are also some decorative features that indicate creativity on the part of the architect such as decorative mouldings, and a 6 sided corner bay with a domed roof.

Kean’s General Store is a landmark in the community of Brookfield. Located on the main road of the town, Kean’s General Store overlooks the harbour and was easily accessible to vessels that purchased their supplies at the store.