The Old Country Store

Country stores, or general stores, started out of necessity for the many pioneers who lived in rural areas of America from the late colonial period through the early 20^th century.  Many owners of these mercantile stores began as roving peddlers.  Once they had accumulated enough capital and inventory, they often established permanent locations at advantageous crossroads or in rural settlements with a need and likely profit.  The country store also served as a community gathering place for customers to sit around a pot-bellied stove and gossip about politics, exchange news, socialize, play checkers and cards, and pick up their mail. 

Country store inventories were largely based upon what the local customers needed in the home or on the farm, and what the store owners could afford to stock and sell at reasonable prices.  Sales were usually made on a “cash only” basis, but occasionally credit was extended to reliable customers and some business was done in barter.  For example, rural housewives sometimes would trade eggs, butter and other farm produce for staple groceries, or perhaps a piece of gingham or other materials for making a dress.  Besides everyday essentials, the country stores would often stock things like licorice and peppermint stick candy that youngsters could buy for a penny each.  The old-time country store typically had lots of shelving on the walls, long counters and display cabinets, and lots of bulk food items for sale out of large containers (e.g., cracker barrels) around the store.

The Lyons-Muir Historical Society has an “Old Country Store” display in its Museum (see photos above and at left).  The large wooden wall shelving/drawers unit and long counter were acquired from an old hardware store in Nashville (MI) and refurbished by one of our members.  Another member donated the lovely old 1800s counter-top display cabinet, as well as several of the original store goods and advertising displays.  Additional items have been added as received and acquired, and more such items are always welcome.  We encourage you to come visit the “Old Country Store” at the Historical Museum!