THE DYING BREED: THE OLD COUNTRY STORE

We’ve seen these monuments to days past still clinging to their rich history and foundation of our region and Nation. Their weather-beaten gray barn board facades dotted with the occasional Coke sign, 4H placards and a mix of petrol and feed signs. The rusted hobbled together tin roofs and a tattered flag projecting the grit and determination that built them is their genuine curb appeal.

Most often, we’ve ridden by them casting a casual glance telling ourselves, next time I’ll stop. Well friends, now is the next time because these monuments are closing one by one-General Stores. Que Doyle Lawson and Quick Silvers song-Country Store.

There are five iconic general stores in and around the east Tennessee region that collectively have over 534 years of service to their communities and passers-by. While some are much older than others, Rabbit Hash general Store in Kentucky boasting almost 192 years of continued operation-save being closed due to floods and a fire in 2016. While others like Halls Grocery in Madisonville, TN and the iconic Dinner Bell off of I-75 in Sweetwater (recently demolished), didn’t accumulate generations of presence, but local communities wouldn’t be what they are without them.

The secret to their collective longevity rests in their ability to be community centers as well as for everyday pantry stocking needs. Whether it’s a family lunch after church on Sunday, or farmers getting the latest update on grain and cattle market prices, weather and the talk of the town, these hubs were the original social media.

The location of these stores is no mistake. Take Forbus General Store in Pall Mall, TN. Forbus was erected in 1892 to serve the growing community of Pall Mall, which by the way is the historic birthplace of Sgt Alvin York-WWI Recipient of the Medal of Honor for single handily capturing 135 German soldiers. Forbus still stands tall on Route 27 and locals still come to play a card game called, Pig. You’ll see a deck of cards at every table in the back near the giant woodstove.Others, like Cumberland Mountain General Store in Clarkrange, TN (now closed after 100 years of operation), were relocated to keep up with the needs of local residents that needed sundry items. Loafers Glory off of Old Murphy Rd. (NC 64) weren’t full blown general stores, but more like old convenience stores that were still beacons to gather. I’ve visited many stores in this area and I know what to expect when I stop. Decent food at a decent price served with hospitality that one only gets south of The Mason Dixon

Line, or perhaps it’s just to reach down through an arm’s length of ice to grab a frosty cold soda. Stepping onto the creaky wooden porch, giving a nod to patrons sitting in a rocking chair as I hold the screen door so that it doesn’t slam behind me, I know I’m in the right place to get either.

As odd as it may sound, leaving is almost the best part as I anticipate the country thank you-”ya’ll come back now, hear”.

Our desire for quick, cheap and easy access to what we need has created a paradox. Now, old storefronts are being replaced with Dollar General outlets. The nostalgic whiff of Kerosene lamps and Country Ham are being replaced with express line check-outs.

Fortunately for us in east Tennessee, a friend of all things old and good has understood this for years and generates weekly rides that get us on the backroads and into living history. Tom Ronn and his Project Ridemore, out of Smoky Mountain Harley Davidson, in Maryville, TN has logged thousands of miles zig zagging his way across county roads while sharing his treasures with riders.

The rides are free, with the understanding that there’s a per-person cost at a diner or eatery. Often, Tom suggests bringing along a sack lunch for those out of the way rides just to see our incredible countryside. More info at: www.facebook.com/ProjectRidemore