Built in 1895 by James Ayer, this is an excellent example of a multi storied wooden industrial building in the Greek Revival style, with elements of Queen Anne decoration. The store supplied goods to employees and familes of the Standard Manufacturing Company, later A.E. Wry - Standard, Limited.

In 1939, the property was acquired by the J. L. Black Company after their main store and warehouse were burned to the ground. The J. L. Black Company had operated in Middle Sackville since 1847. They carried on a wholesale and retail merchandising business here until 1962.

In 2002, when concerned citizens purchased the building, an unfortunate succession of owners, tenants and squatters had left the General Store to its fate with the province of New Brunswick having it up for sale for back taxes.