A wheat and service world, indeed. The Nicholsons saved many invoices, mostly from the turn of the last century and during WW1. Maybe the others got lost, or maybe they weren't collected, since Norman was away for many of those in-between years and Margaret wasn't as 'meticulous' in her account keeping. MaCrae, McKee, McMorine, the names on the invoices echo the names in the letters. It seems that most of Richmond's prominent anglo citizens were shopkeepers. Other names I have, J.C. Sutherland: Druggist, Booksellers, Stationers. Mr. Sutherland was appointed Superintendent of Protestant Schools in Quebec, in 1911, second below the Minister. Herb comments on it, saying it is a patronage appointment. Well, Sutherland may have had the contract to sell texts for the students of St. Francis College, but he also went on to have a long and illustrious career. Also J. C Bedard: General Merchant, Dealer in Lumber. He was Mayor, I believe, during the letters. Eugenie Hudon sold Margaret that 'big hat' in 1909. Her bills usually said, "closing accounts at end of month: please pay promptly." Norman was prosperous in and around 1900, but the 'bark' business fell flat around then. From what I have read, trees from Scandinavia were imported to use in the tanning business.