Customers streamed into and out of The Northern yesterday during its 95th Anniversary celebrations

Prince George, BC – A rousing rendition of 'Happy Birthday' culminated with a cake-cutting as part of weekend celebrations marking Northern Hardware's 95 years in the community.

The family-owned business was founded in 1919 by Alex Moffat and Frank Whitmore, just four years after the City of Prince George was incorporated.  Since then, The Northern has weathered the good, the bad, and everything in-between, becoming the cornerstone of the downtown business community.

"An anniversary is a good occasion to look back at what we have accomplished," said the family's 4th generation CEO, Kelly Green.  "We can do this with great satisfaction and pride.  We remember my great-grandfather, Alex Moffat, my grandfather, Harold Moffat, and my dad, Ted Moffat, who worked tirelessly to make The Northern what it is – an inspiration to all of us."

Photo at left shows local MLA, Shirley Bond, sharing a word with 2nd generation owner, Don Moffat, just prior to yesterday's ceremony.

"I think it's an incredible story to see all of you here today," she told the Moffat family members and customers gathered.  "(The Northern) is an icon, it is a fixture in our community."

Bond presented a certificate of recognition for the store's long-standing service in Prince George – 'being a major community supporter and partner.'

Local historian, Valerie Giles, noted the store's significance to the 'history, growth, and identity of Prince George' in presenting the Heritage Commission's Historic Places Award 2014.

"During the hard times of, say, the 1930s and during the war years, the Northern management extended credit to people who couldn't get it at any other place," Giles pointed out.  "They also operated on the barter system when people had no money, so it really did prop up the economy of this town and this region."

After first clarifying that she and Kelly were not related, Mayor, Shari Green, went on to say, "I'm really excited to be here.  In my own family, I know what it means to have four generations invested in our downtown."

"My family's certainly done that – four different businesses, " said the mayor.  "So to have it all in the family and last 95 years and clearly still going strong, as you can see today from the tremendous support – that's just a testament to the kind of family that the Moffat family is, and has been, as one of the founding families of this community."

"I've heard many, many times, 'Oh, I need whatever'," said Green.  "And the first answer is, 'Have you tried The Northern?'  And that's just in our vocabulary in this community.  You always try The Northern."

"It's a great part of our community – 95 years strong and many more to come."

Photo below shows Valerie Giles presenting the Heritage Citation plaque to Northern Hardware & Furniture Co CEO, Kelly Green