“Lynde House Museum and Warren General Store is the oldest home in the Durham Region and is located on a 200-acre farm beside Lynde Creek, on Dundas Street in Whitby. The house was built in Georgian style. Jabez Lynde (1773-1856) immigrated from Massachusetts, first with his father-in-law, Hawkins Woodruff, in 1799, to secure land in Upper Canada, and then permanently with his wife, Clarissa Woodruff Lynde (1774-1830), in 1803. The Lyndes were among the first settlers to the area. They raised eight children in the house, and the family members lived there until 1893. Jabez Lynde was a Loyalist and served in the militia during the War of 1812. During that time, the Lyndes opened their home as an inn, tavern and supply depot, where the British and First Nations soldiers could secure supplies on the way to battle in Niagara. One well-known visitor was General Isaac Brock. Today, the Whitby Historical Society operates the Lynde House Museum, which is open for tours five days a week. William and John Borlase Warren built the Warren General Store in 1823. The brothers were married to 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 their Gift Shop and Welcome Centre, where every visit to the Museum begins. The Gift Shop features unique items created by local artists and artisans, books by local authors, Whitby souvenirs, and delicious edible treats, including their famous selection of jams and jellies. A portion of the sales proceeds helps support the Whitby Historical Society’s operating fund.”
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