About
Joynes Ben Franklin
Joynes Ben Franklin is located on main street (actually called Wisconsin Street) in downtown Grand Marais, Minnesota. Harbor Park sits just across the street opening on to the Grand Marais Harbor and Lake Superior.
We carry a wide variety of merchandise. Everything from men’s clothing to women’s clothing to kids’ clothing. Toys to shoes to gifts. Hair supplies to camping supplies. Hygiene products to household goods.
Whatever your shopping needs are, our friendly staff is eager to help you find exactly what you’re looking for the minute you step into “Everyone’s Favorite Store on the Shore”!
Our
History
In 1941, at the age of 23, Howard and Rosemary Joynes bought the P.E. Alm general store in downtown Grand Marais, MN. The couple had recently graduated from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, married, and decided to return to Howard’s hometown. Their first day as new store owners was Sunday, December 7th, 1941, Pearl Harbor Day. Seventy years later, the general store continues as a family-operated business.
The couple’s only child, Richard, was born in 1943. Dick began working at the family’s store at a very young age.
In 1954, Joynes built the present-day store. The old building became “The Bargain Barn” selling close-out merchandise from the new store. In 1981 the old building was torn down.
During high school, Dick began dating Skip Moyer. After high school Skip attended St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Rochester, MN and Dick attended Rochester Business School. The couple returned to Grand Marais to marry. In 1964 Dick began managing Joynes’ Ben Franklin.
Dick and Skip raised two children, Jim and Julie. They worked at Joynes’ Ben Franklin during high school and college. In 2001 Rodney and Julie [Joynes] Carlson took over the management of the store.
In 2014, Jim and Shanie Joynes took over ownership of the store.
In 2021, we proudly celebrate 80 years of serving our community and the visitors to our community.
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