General Stores Reign Supreme Over Rural America
Page Twelve
THE ANN ARBOR NEWS
Wednesday, July 29, 1959
General Stores Reign Supreme Over Rural America
Example Found At Pinckney’s ‘Opera House’
Firm Retains Flavor Of A Long Tradition, Looks To The Future
By Ralph Lutz
PINCKNEY—Rural America would not be the same without the general store.
You spot it at once as a dominant enterprise in most villages and crossroads settlements.
Inside the general store, you may search and find just about anything you need. And, if you eavesdrop a bit, chances are you will get a lesson from old-timers on how the government should be run and why long-closed one-room schools should not have been closed and sold.
It’s Not The Same.
You know you’re not on Fifth Ave., flanked by elaborately glassed-in display windows and a jungle of escalators and floor walkers. The general store retains the flavor of the country. Packaging innovations have long since sealed the fate of the cracker barrel, and gas or oil heat, in most instances, has retired the black pot-bellied stove.
But, from the tough knotty floor boards to counters heaped with a maze of goods, the general store is just about the same as it has always been. Some general stores in eastern states have retained their characteristics since they were built in the 1700’s.
The Pinckney General Store, a child by comparison, nevertheless, takes its place in the rural ranks of general stores.
If you want groceries or meats, you will find what you want on the entire main floor. If you want garden tools, fertilizer, household appliances, clothes or even greeting cards, you may launch your search in the basement.
Started In 1946
Harry Parks has operated this store since 1946, and, in 1954, he was joined by his nephew, Gene Edgar. Business has grown in this village, and now there are nine employes.
The Pinckney General Store occupies the Main St. building, formerly called the Opera House. Built about 60 years ago, the Opera House has been the scene of such varied events as dances, plays, high school graduation exercises and medicine shows.
The Opera House eventually served its purpose and folded, making way for the Town Hall.
Today, however, it’s the general store and, from the looks of things, it will remain the general store in the traditional manner.
IN THE OLD TRADITION: The Pinckney General store, above, is typical of general stores which dot rural America. Below is the basement area where a variety of goods may be brought. Groceries are found on the main floor.