My book in the Apron Strings Series, Joann, takes place in a small town mercantile similar to the Jonesville General Store, also known as T. C. Lindsey and Co. My story originally took place in Texas, but since some of my key characters spend quite a bit of time in Shreveport and near Barksdale AF Base, I decided to scoot it over the state line. Easier in fiction than real life! However, I used the layout of T. C. Lindsey as a template for my fictional store. Seemed a good reason to go and visit this little bit of history.
The store today is a mix of items to buy and historical items.
Lots of jelly, seasoning mixes, and snacks, along with hoop cheese cut to order.
Lots of books, including, gift, cookbooks, and history books.
Scattered throughout are different gift items, T-shirts, overalls, and handmade items.
Upstairs, even more to look at!
This is the upstairs area. In my story, I had the characters clear it out for a small wedding reception.
The research team sat for a spell, studying on checker moves. (In my story the checker table is downstairs near the front. Here it is upstairs where an inventory of shoes line the shelves.)
From the upstairs, you can look out and see some of the downstairs. There’s more room in here than you would expect!
A telephone like the one my character would have used. The store has many unique items. Tucked away in a corner is the old post office.
My story doesn’t have the post office in the store, although I thought about it. In my story, the fictional town I described would have likely had it’s own post office by 1965.
I’m so glad I had help from my “research team” taking photos and video. There was so much packed into this store! You could get lost for days exploring here.
I brought home a T-shirt and some jelly. I hope to visit again soon, this time more for shopping than research. (The research team agreed the jelly is good. It tastes like nonspecific berries and is great on toast, bagels, and biscuits.)
Watch a video from Texas Country Reporter to learn more about the store.
Tell me about the last time you visited an old time store or an out-of-the-way store in the comments!
Donna Jo Stone 