general stores Archives - Appalachian History

Cookies, Coffee, Coat buttons and more: Christmas Shopping Along the Great Wagon Road, 1840-50s

What did the typical buyer purchase at a country store in Newbern, VA in the mid 19th century? What about at Christmastime?

Sturdy oak rocking chairs beside a pot-bellied stove, shelves generously filled with the needs of farm families & Mrs. M.M. Shepherd herself.

Groceries were from all different places. Some I bought from wholesale grocers in Stanton. Some from different places in this state.

It’s surprising how much old account books can tell about people & the times. Changes in attitudes, customs, & dress can be detected.

Large glass display cases held items of interest. One of the largest cases held box after box of penny candy that we loved to buy.