G. B. Barker of England came to Melita in 1892 and was
employed by R.
M. Graham. He then moved north of Melita and farmed for a few years.
George then went to Toronto and took a barbers' course and was in this
business for a short time.
In 1899 he bought a building on Main Street and opened a Men's and
Boys' Shoes and Clothing Store. He built a new building on the same
spot in 1915. The business remained in the family at that location for
over 70 years.
G. B. Barker was secretary of the school board for many years, active
in the Board of Trade and Past Master of the Masonic Lodge. He passed
away in 1945.
Adapted from Our First Century, page 431
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