The Warren General Store was built by William and John Borlase Warren at Hamar’s Corners, Whitby Township, in 1823. The brothers had immigrated from Cork, Ireland, and were married to the Lynde’s two eldest daughters, Clarissa and Louisa. At the time, the Warren General Store was the only store between York and Port Hope.  John Warren added a Post Office to the store in 1824, and became Whitby’s first Postmaster.

While the original store no longer exists, today’s Warren General Store is named in its honour, and is located in the red brick building beside Lynde House. It is home to our Gift Shop and Welcome Centre, where every visit to the Museum begins. 

The Gift Shop features a wide variety of unique items created by local artists and artisans, books by local authors, Whitby souvenirs, and delicious edible treats, including our famous selection of jams and jellies. A portion of the proceeds from all sales helps to support the Whitby Historical Society’s operating fund. 

The Warren General Store also features rotating special exhibits from the Whitby Historical Society collection. The walls are decorated with historic photographs and artifacts from Whitby’s past.