Business has changed a lot over the past 100 years — and one retailer in White Bay on the Baie Verte Peninsula, who has lived through it all, has decided to close its doors.

H. Norman and Sons started in 1914 when Herbert Norman set up shop in Pacquet to supply local residents with goods. Since there were no roads, the business also supplied the nearby communities of Woodstock, Brent's Cove, Ming's Bight and Norris Islands.

Lloyd Hayden, president of the Baie Verte and Area Chamber of Commerce, told CBC Radio's Central Morning the store has accomplished a lot in 100 years. The chamber along with the Pacquet Town Council hosted a celebratory banquet to mark the occasion.

"A lot of things have changed, to bring it from an isolated community, to a community that's got lots of access to other businesses in other areas," he said.

"Actually they went into a lot more than just supplying, because they started purchasing all the salmon, and the fish and the salt, and the mackeral, herring — and started shipping around the world. Sydney, Boston and in Newfoundland. They became a big employer at the time."

Hayden said the business is shutting down because no family members were interested in taking it over, and there wasn't enough business to interest a new buyer.

"It's down to basically a retail store in a small community. One time it was a hub of four or five communities. With roads opening, it's not a hub anymore, [and] people commute for jobs," he said.

Hayden said when the store officially closes at the end of the year, area residents will have to drive for supplies to Woodstock, which is about four kilometres away from Pacquet.

There was a lot of emotion there in the hall. People talking about their grandfathers who worked there. It wasn't just a job — it was a way of life. - Lloyd Hayden

From politics to hockey

Hayden said H. Norman and Sons is also a meeting place, a spot for area residents to gather and chat.

"There's about 15 guys that meet every morning for coffee. They talk about everything from politics to hockey, the news, and they critique and praise up whoever's around at the time," he said.

"They actually made up a song and a poem, and it was really good, it gave some of the history, and [they] performed it at the banquet."

Hayden said they expected about 60 guests at the anniversary dinner, but 100 people filled the hall, including third-generation employees.

"There was a lot of emotion there in the hall. People talking about their grandfathers who worked there. It wasn't just a job — it was a way of life," he said.

"It was very emotional for Wayne and Evelina [Norman]. The community has really rallied, you could really tell it was a very compassionate group of people who really loved the store. Church groups, everyone was out, really."