Uncovered Coca-Cola Mural - Bon Aqua, TN The old abandoned General Store along old highway TN46 in Bon Aqua was falling into disrepair when, in the 1960s the building was converted into a recording studio, and briefly owned by Johnny Cash. The building was abandoned again and fell into disrepair again. Understanding the building's history and potential. The building was purchased again. Today, this old general store has become the Storytellers Museum in Bon Aqua, TN. The same owners have purchased Johnny Cash's Hideaway Farm which is about five miles away. Around 2020, they looked to see what was underneath the metal siding (which was not original to the store) when they found the old Coca-Cola mural painted on the wooden beams. The word Drink is on the top left corner. DRINK COCA-COLA IN BOTTLES - TAKE HOME A CASE. The bottom left features a case of bottles.
Rockvale Store Text from rockvalehistoricalsociety.org/ Rockvale was established in the late 1870's and the completion of the Rockvale Store in 1884. The road completed to connect Murfreesboro to Eagleville ran directly in front of the store. This road became a busy area and a community built up around the Versailles Rd junction and the store. In 1901, the first Rural Route delivery for rural Rutherford was started out of the Rockvale Store that also served as the post office.
Hamilton Crossroads Store From Wikipedia: The Hamilton–Lay Store, also known as the Hamilton Crossroads Store, is a historic country general store at Hamilton Crossroads (the intersection of Mill Pond Hollow Road and Walkers Ford Road) in Union County, Tennessee, near Maynardville. The two-story wooden building was built in the 1840s and listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011
Vintage store - Grand Junction, TN I don't have any information on this building other than I have seen it in a 1940s photo. It is located along Madison Ave. in Grand Junction. It looks like it could have been a general store, but it is not Richardson's which was more famous. Let me know if you have more info.
Harrison Brothers Hardware - Huntsville, AL The Harrison Brothers Hardware Store is the oldest continually operating hardware store in the state of Alabama. The originally opened in 1879, but moved to this location on the Huntsville town square in 1897. It's practically a tourist destination as it's more of a general store with some souvenirs. Text of the historic marker: Harrison Brothers, the oldest operating hardware store in Alabama, was founded in 1879 when James B. Daniel and T. Harrison opened a tobacco shop on Jefferson Street. In 1897 they purchased this building on South Side Square and expanded into the adjoining building in 1902. Both buildings were remodeled following a 1901 fire, but alterations since then have been minimal. The brothers' stock evolved from tobacco through crockery, furniture, jewelry, appliances and finally into hardware. Two generations of Harrisons ran the business before it was bought in 1984 as a preservation project by the nonprofit Historic Huntsville Foundation which operates it today. The buildings were listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
Mayberry's - Mercer, TN This old store front along the main road in Mercer, TN is open today as a Ice Cream Soda Fountain and Mercantile / gift shop.
Cheatum Springs General Store Located in Rural Coffee county at the corner of Cheatham Springs Road at French Brantley road
LaGrange General Store - LaGrange, TN
Tanner's Sundries General Store - Wartburg, TN In August of 2017, Tanner's Sundries General Store in Wartburg was added to the National Register of Historic Places. Here is the press release from the Tennessee.gov write-up: Located near the courthouse square in Wartburg, the Tanner Store is a multi-use building that began as the Citizens Bank and Trust in 1906. In 1923, the building was enlarged to add a general store. Architecturally, the prominent features of the building on the exterior include the large windows, corner entry, ornamental brackets, and expanse of porches. The interior contains historic wood cabinets and seating. The general store has served as an important commercial and social resource in the community since its opening, while the former bank section has had several uses. John and Maud Tanner ran the general store, which included a pharmacy and restaurant until the first half of the 20th century, when other family members took over. Today, the Tanner Store is the longest run family-owned general store in continuous operation in the county.
Cogbill's General Store - LaGrange, TN This General Store in LaGrange, TN dates back to the 1860s when William Peter Lipscomb opened a business. That business was lost due to a 1900 tornado. Lipscomb opened a new store at this location and was passed down through the family as Charles Lipscomb Cogbill operated the store in the 1960s. In 1991, Lucy Cogbill reopened the store with Sherri Bruner-Osteen. A fire in 1998 destroyed the 1901 building and this store was soon rebuilt.
W.C. Crawford General Store - Williston, TN W.C. Crawford, Dealer in General Merchandise. Cash and Barter. ca. 1860. I'm a sucker for old time general stores, and this is one of the finest. They look like they are still in business, possibly as an antique store, but not very often. This is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Williston is a small town in Fayette County along highway TN193. Also on the National Register in town is a nearby place called the Crawford Experimental Farm. I guess I should research that someday.
Hamptons of Skullbone, TN Skullbone is a small community in West Tennessee located at the intersection of highway TN105 and Shades Bridge Rd. Or, perhaps a better explanation is: This is Skullbone, TN. The main (or only) attraction in Skullbone is Hampton's General Store, a building from 1898 which over the years also served as a post office, gas station, City Hall and Mayors Office. Under the awning, we read that the store (addressed as 102 Davy Crockett Ave. North) has been owned by Landon & Ruby since 1964. By reading around the awning, we also see that Skullbone is the "Capital City of Skullbonia." So, Where did the name Skullbone come from? For that, we look at the murals on the side of the store. This region was home to the "Undefeated Champions of Bareknuckle fist and Skullbone Fighting: Hence the name Skullbone." Want to learn more about Skullbone? Check out this website, which includes the text of an interesing letter. In 1952, the locals wrote a jovial letter to TN Governor Browning petitioning the state to officially recognize the kingdom of Skullbonia. tn-roots.com/tngibson/towns/Skullbone/skullbonia.htm Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/pretty-small-towns-tn/ These 12 Perfectly Picturesque Small Towns In Tennessee Are Delightful or here www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/funny-phrases-tn/ or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/eccentric-tn-town/ or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/welcoming-small-towns-tn/ 15 Welcoming Small Towns In Tennessee Where You’ll Feel Like Family
R.M. Brooks General Merchandise - Rugby, TN This old fashioned general store isn't in the historic area of Rugby, but is a couple of miles down the road on TN52. According to the wooden sign above the front door, at one time this was the post office for Rugby with a zip code of 37733. However, according to the USPS website, there is no Rugby post office now, which is evidence that this store isn't open anymore. Today, highway 52 curves in front of this store at this intersection. TN52 used to continue on the right side of the picture. That was until 1999 upon the completion of the new Brewster Bridge causing the old road to be barricaded.
When You See ROCK CITY... You See The Best! It may be tough to see at first but those are the words once painted along this roof. Although not a barn, this building which looks like it was a general store many years ago was painted as if it was one of Rock City's barns. It's located in the small community of Topton, NC which is in the far northeast corner of Cherokee County near when highways US19 and US74 join up with US129. This brings my total to 80 different Rock City Barns I have photographed and uploaded to Flickr in my Rock City Barns set. People often ask me how I've found so many of them. I have drawn from many resources such as books and web sites and sometimes luck, but there's not really one "go to" place to find them all. Well, now on my website, I have tried to create a one stop source for the locations of all of the barns I've been to. On my Map of Rock City Barns page, I have plotted each barn on a Google Map.
When You See ROCK CITY... You See The Best! Although not a barn, this building which looks like it was a general store many years ago was painted as if it was one of Rock City's barns. It's located in the small community of Topton, NC which is in the far northeast corner of Cherokee County near when highways US19 and US74 join up with US129. This brings my total to 80 different Rock City Barns I have photographed and uploaded to Flickr in my Rock City Barns set. People often ask me how I've found so many of them. I have drawn from many resources such as books and web sites and sometimes luck, but there's not really one "go to" place to find them all. Well, now on my website, I have tried to create a one stop source for the locations of all of the barns I've been to. On my Map of Rock City Barns page, I have plotted each barn on a Google Map.
Mast General Store - Valle Crucis, NC The Mast General Store, located in Historic Valle Crucis, is recognized by the National Register of Historic Places as one of the best remaining examples of an old country general store. It is still the center of the community housing the post office and offering coffee for 5¢ on the honor system. It remains true to the old-time general store from the 19th century by offering items that its neighbors might need, as well as products of interest to travelers and other visitors. The building that would become Mast General Store was constructed in 1882 by Henry Taylor and opened in 1883. W.W. Mast purchased half interest in the store in 1897, and the store was renamed the "Taylor and Mast General Store". In 1913, Mast purchased the remaining half of Taylor's interest, and the business became known as the Mast General Store. The business stayed in the family through three generations until, in 1973, it was sold to a doctor from Atlanta and a professor from Appalachian State University. The business closed its doors in 1977. It would remain closed until John and Faye Cooper purchased and reopened it in June 1980. In 1996, Mast General Store became an employee-owned company. In the last couple of decades, the store has expanded with new locations including one in Knoxville.
The Old Store in Locust Grove, GA I am told from someone in town that this is the old Juke Joint in Locust Grove.
Say Pepsi, Please - Valle Crucis, NC Valle Crucis is best known for being the first home of Mast General Store and this vintage metal Pepsi sign is along the side of the building.
Farmers' Supply Corp General Hardware Floyd, VA at the main intersection in town
Collier General Store - Charlotte, TN This building is located on the town square of Middle Tennessee's oldest courthouse. Christopher Collier's store was built in 1849 and was in business until 1895. This building is part of the district on the National Register of Historic Places.
New River General Store This store is the oldest continually operating store in the area, while at the same time serving the needs of the frequently visiting canoers. It is located within the New River Scenic Area, which wouldn't allow for a new devlopment, but was grandfathered in. The store is located at the end of the bridge where US221 crosses the river.
Port Royal Masonic Lodge built in 1859, this became the main building in the historic Tennessee town of Port Royal, In addition to being the Masonic lodge, this was a general store, Doctor's office and Post office. Here is a picture of the building taken in 1899: www.sitemason.com/files/fgntOo/portroyallodgeold.JPG Today, what's left of Port Royal has been designated a state historic area, under the oversight of the Tennessee State Parks. This building today is the park's headquarters. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/port-royal-state-histor... This Entire Town In Tennessee Was Turned Into A State Park You Can’t Pass Up
Mast General Store - Downtown Knoxville Mast General Store Started in Boone, NC in 1883. After decades of ups and downs that you would find in any general store that survives to today, they have a thriving chain of stores After a huge downtown fire in 1897 this building was opened the next year along Gay Street as McNulty Grocery and Dry Goods Co. More recently, after being vacant for nearly 20 years, a Mast General Store moved in and opened in 2006. Along the way, they restored the building to its Victorian era glory.
Get a BIG LIFT! Drink Double Cola This old rusty metal soda sign is seen around the back of Davis General Merchandise. The Davis store has been in the small community of Boston, TN (south of Leipers Fork in Williamson County) for several decades
Dull General Store While it could be truth in advertising laws at work, in reality it is the General Store in Dull, TN Dull is an unincorporated community in Dickson county along state highway 49 between Charlotte and Ashland City Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-general-stores/ These 10 Charming General Stores In Tennessee Will Make You Feel Nostalgic The name kind of gives it away, doesn't it? This little spot is located in Dickson County, a testament to time.
Nett's Store Bethel, TN This is stop #23 on the TNTrailsandByways.com "Old TN Trail" Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-general-stores/ These 10 Charming General Stores In Tennessee Will Make You Feel Nostalgic Bethel has been hiding quite the gem, hasn't it?! This cute red and white spot is the best place for you to stop and get an RC Cola.
Fly's General Store Fly, TN along highway TN7. Opened in 1906. Let's see - we have the three flags, Tennessee, US and Confederate, a rusty Pepsi sign covering up a faded Standard Oil sign, a Satellite dish and a guy in overalls on a bench out frount. We're in the country! This is stop #30 on the TNTrailsandByways.com "Old TN Trail"
Cumberland Mtn. General Store Clarkrange, TN along US127 www.cumberlandmountaingeneralstore.com/
J.C. Tate General Merchandise store in the tiny town of Belfast, TN. On the National Register of Historic Places. Located on Highway U.S. 431 in Marshall County, south of Lewisburg Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-general-stores/ These 10 Charming General Stores In Tennessee Will Make You Feel Nostalgic There's QUITE a lot of history tied to this general store, located in Belfast. It's even earned a spot on the National Registrar of Historic Places! or here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/santa-in-tennessee/
James Gang (Earthman's) General Store - White's Creek, TN According to the historical marker THE JAMES GANG In this building, then a combination saloon and grocery, W.W. Earthman, magistrate and ex-constable of Davidson County, on March 25, 1881, arrested Bill Ryan, alias Tom Hill, ruthless and indiscreet member of the gang, members of which were living in the Edgefield neighborhood. Frank and Jesse James and their families left the Nashville area the next day. This building is on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the White's Creek Historic District, and is located on highway US431 near Old Hickory Blvd.
Miller's Grocery an old time store in Christiana, TN This is no longer an Amoco or even a gas station. It's not really a grocery store, either. Instead, today it is a popular restaurant and probably the only reason that people from out of town come to Christiana. Hello to anyone who found this here: www.onlyinyourstate.com/tennessee/tn-general-stores/ These 10 Charming General Stores In Tennessee Will Make You Feel Nostalgic This piece of the past is a large draw for the town of Christiana, but don't expect to stock up on milk. It operates mainly now as a restaurant.
