A general store is a rural or small town store that carries a general line of merchandise. It often sells everyday food items such as milk and bread, and a variety of household goods such as hardware and electrical supplies. The town’s post office was usually tucked away in a corner of the store.
General stores were established during the 18th and 19th centuries in many communities where mobility was limited. Some general stores are still in business today, while others sit on the side of the road to remind passersby of what once was.
Here are 10 general stores in Alabama that will give you a sense of nostalgia:
- This historic general store is located in the Pleasant Gap, Alabama community approximately one mile behind the Spring Garden Schools in Cherokee County.
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
- Barfield General Store, located in Clay County, Alabama, was established in 1893. The building is now an antique store.
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
- Luckie’s General Store is located in the downtown area of Forest Home, Alabama.
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
- Located in Carlton, Alabama, Carlton General Store housed the community post office when the nearby general store closed. This post office closed in 2011.
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
- Shorty’s Grocery & Deli, located in Hollywood, Alabama, has been operated by the same family for nearly 100 years.
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
- Buena Vista General Store, located in Monroe County, Alabama, housed the post office in the back corner of the store. The post office eventually closed on December 31, 1975.
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
- Coleman Bros. General Store, located in Whatley, Alabama, was in service from 1889-1962.
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
- Burnt Corn General Store, located in Burnt Corn, Alabama, was constructed in 1890. The Masonic Lodge was located upstairs and the post office was located in the back left corner of the store. The general store closed around 2005.
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
- This photo was taken in the downtown area of Weogufka, Alabama. As you can see, the downtown area has a variety of general stores.
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
- Prince’s General Merchandise is located in Estillfork, Alabama. It closed during the summer of 2001.
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Is there a general store in your community that makes you feel nostalgic every time you drive by it? Let us know in the comments below!
flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
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