North East Trade Company is situated just North of Muncy, Pennsylvania, a stone’s throw from Muncy Creek, near the site of Brady’s Fort (built in 1777) and the massacre site of Captain John Brady. The Fort Muncy site lies to our north approximately one mile. The fact that Muncy is the cross roads of many Native American paths, and an area so rich in history, such as being the past home of the 84th Pennsylvania which fought in the war between the sates, makes it only fitting for our store to be located here.
In 1974, I and my family began to attend and travel to many Muzzleloading events across the state of Pennsylvania. In 1975, due to the demand and urgent need, I began selling shooting supplies and pre-1840 merchandise at rendezvous. In 1976 I converted half of my two-car garage into a small store to carry a few but important supplies for the muzzleloading enthusiasts in our area. We managed this small store for 10 years. In 1985, a dear friend and supplier passed on so at the urgent suggestions of customers and friends we enlarged the store to encompass the entire garage and officially began North East Trade Company. This brought a virtually non-existent source of supplies into the area that was to cater to the muzzleloading enthusiast.
Since the meager beginnings of the store, we had made a commitment to make it one of the finest. A place where a person could obtain parts, supplies and clothing as well as courteous service and a place to have their muzzleloaders repaired at a fair price. All this and conversation to pass on knowledge of safety, shooting, and just plain ol’ good times with old friends and new. After one year in business, we saw the need and put in a small line of trapping supplies which has expanded to a full line of traps, lures and other accessories needed by furtakers in our area.
We also developed Minnie, Cartridge, Maxi (MCM) Lube along with other “Old Trapper” products for use in the improved performance of muzzleloading firearms. A shooter from the North South Skirmish Association (NSSA) bought and tried our MCM lube and liked it so much that we are now the sole supplier of this product for the NSSA sutlers and other stores throughout the US. This and 50 plus products have been developed specifically by us for use by the blackpowder shooter. We also have a large machine shop dedicated to the manufacture of top quality accoutrements and accessories as well as the repair of all types of muzzleloading rifles, pistols, and revolvers. In stock is also a large selection of repair parts, and if we do not have the item needed to fix, supply, or attire you, it can be bartered for or ordered from one of our many suppliers.
I currently attend a few rendezvous a year and have a booth set up at several NSSA regional shoots and two National Shoots per year in Winchester, VA. I not only supply, but shoot competition as well, as a member of the 56th PA Volunteers. I am a member of the NSSA, National Muzzleloading Rifle Association (NMLRA), National Rifle Association (NRA), and the PA Federation of Blackpowder Shooters. We welcome all Rendezvous, Civil War and Re-enactment shooters and enthusiast as well as those who are just starting to be bitten by “the bug”. This has been a family affair with me, John Sr. and my wife Paulette along with our children Amber and John Jr since it’s inception in 1974. In addition to being sales and service people, we also lived the history through the years in our experiences with you. At the passing of my wife in October of 2004, we continued on with the welcomed help of our extended family and friends. We have continued throughout the years to improve, expand, while keeping the root of our mission in mind; to bring all of you the best products available, while still maintaining a “down-home” personable atmosphere. Our development of this website is just one more step we are taking in an effort to upgrade our service and availability, to you, our valued customer.
Thank you for stopping by and we hope to hear from you soon. Until then, watch yer top knot and keep your eye on yer’ back trail. Happy shooting.
