Store Abandoned In 1963 Is Now An Astonishing Time Capsule

On a ranch in British Columbia, an unassuming log cabin holds a wealth of artifacts from days gone by. At the sight of early 20th-century groceries, pristine pocket watches, clothes several decades out of date, you'd be forgiven for thinking you’ve stepped into the past. Yet this historic store is very much a 21st-century find — for nearly 60 years, the entire place has been literally frozen in time.

The 153 Mile Store

Since closing its doors back in 1963, the 153 Mile Store has remained untouched, its shelves stocked with a fascinating miscellany of outdated goods. But over the years, only intrepid visitors to remote western Canada have been able to glimpse these fascinating treasures. Now, thanks to one dedicated YouTuber, this blast from the past has been revealed in all its glory.

Just the beginning

From the outside, the store on 153 Mile Ranch outside Williams Lake, B.C., certainly has an old-world feel. But the disused oil drums and dated advertising signs are just the beginning. Inside, every nook and cranny is stocked full of relics that would not look out of place in a museum.

Paraphernalia piled high

Here, glass cabinets are piled high with documents and men’s shaving paraphernalia, while brand-new shoes and tins of tobacco are stacked neatly along the shelves. Elsewhere, kitchen equipment that was once cutting edge takes pride of place. But why exactly was all this merchandise abandoned? And what is the story behind the 153 Mile Store?

Louis Crosina

Well, it all began back in 1882 when Louis Crosina, a migrant from Italy, left his home in the Tyrol Mountains and set out for the New World. According to reports, his uncle had already settled in North America, seeking his fortune during the Gold Rush. And when he penned letters to his family, he signed his address as “British Colombia.”