Old Country Store (then and now)

[Digital]

A very quick update: Have seen Ralph several times since the Christmas holidays however he has not spoken to his brother -in -law (Caldwell's grandson). Am very optimistic that Ralph will eventually obtain the information that I have requested.

Bruce (The "original sleuth" of this story)

[Mike Buckley]

The sleuth resurfaces!

[Digital]

The sleuth resurfaces!

I am still here.


Bruce ("Resurfaced" Sleuth)

[Digital]

Since this story has not been completed, which I intend to do, I need you very patient readers out there to let me know if you wish me to start another thread about the history of the Catholic/Episcopalian church in Carrollton BEFORE I finish this particular thread.

Thank you.

Bruce (Sleuth)

[Mike Buckley]

My recommendation is that you do as you see fit, especially that whatever you decide is based primarily on the likelihood of being the most enjoyable for you.

[Cantab]

My recommendation is that you do as you see fit, especially that whatever you decide is based primarily on the likelihood of being the most enjoyable for you.

Part of me agrees with Mike. But another part of me is curious about the history/story behind the church you refer to!

[Digital]

Mike, and Bruce, thank you for your comments. Part of me wants to conclude this thread before I start another thread; however there is an impatience to start another story.
I will take all this under consideration for the next few days before I make a decision.
Thanks again for your comments, and I will be back in touch shortly.


Bruce

[Digital]

I talked the other day to Ralph (brother-in-law to Caldwell's grandson). (Periodically, I ask him if he has to talked to his brother-in-law about securing the dates of when the Caldwell store opened, and when it ceased operation). I did not ask him on this date because he related that he had a member of his immediate family in a grave medical crisis.
As an aside, I am hoping that when this story concludes, (and, it will conclude) that Ralph will give me permission to use his real name. He has been such an inspiration to me, not only in writing the story of the Caldwell grocery, but in other areas of my life as well. Also, I have some pics of him on file - here is hoping that he will allow me to post his pic on this thread.

Bruce ("somber" Sleuth)

[Digital]

I am posting to let you readers and/or viewers know that I have not seen Ralph for over a week. I do not know when he will return; however his absence (at least to me) in indicative that the medical crisis in his immediate family has not abated.
My promise to you is that I will keep you informed as the situation develops.
Again, thanks for your patience.

Bruce ("sad" Sleuth)

[Digital]

When I started this thread, I had no intention of posting any more information other than the original two photos, and let it go at that. I had no idea that a longer story was born.
About three weeks after this thread was originally posted I begin to wonder if (by telling this story) I was not following the tenets of the CiC, I contacted Donald (moderator) via PM expressing my concerns- had I gone to far by attempting to answer the questions regarding the Caldwell store, and as a result strayed to far on what the purpose of what CiC is all about. He replied (in essence) that he would let me know if I strayed to far, and he encouraged me to continue. A few months into this thread, I sent Donald another PM. Basically, I was venting at the lack of cooperation I was getting from the locals regarding the story of the Caldwell store. Again, in essence Donald replied that if the story ends at the present time, it still was a good story. I was encouraged by Donald's remarks to continue seeking information. Thank you Donald.
In large part, credit has to go to the viewers of this thread as well as the viewers who commented. I firmly believe that if it was not for you all I would have given upon this thread a long time ago.
The one thing I was not prepared for was the lack of trust that a small town like Carrollton has for "outsiders". This really is a provincial town - although no different than, I guess, most small towns. This sentiment was echoed by a female member of the Senior Citizens Center recently. She, also, is from out of state.
In my very humble opinion, I believe that if my family was from these parts (so to speak), I would have gotten this information about this store a lot easier.
Another reason (that has been mentioned in earlier posts) that may be a contributing factor is I never had a journalism class in my life. There may be a course in Journalism school titled " How to get Information from Sources when You are an Outsider." If there is such a course I need to take it pronto.
Forgive me if I rambled.

Bruce ("outsider" Sleuth)

BTW- there has been no change since I posted #229

[Donald]

Forgive me if I rambled.

Bruce (outsider" Sleuth)

You are forgiven.

Bruce -It's been a fantastic journey. You (and we) have learned so much, not just about the store, but also about life and attitudes in 'small town America'. Take heart from the fact that it is the same all over the world ... at least as much of it as I know. We always say over here that if you go to live in a village or small town, you can start thinking of yourself as 'belonging' there after about 20 years!

Please don't stop being curious.

[Digital]

You are forgiven.

Bruce -It's been a fantastic journey. You (and we) have learned so much, not just about the store, but also about life and attitudes in 'small town America'. Take heart from the fact that it is the same all over the world ... at least as much of it as I know. We always say over here that if you go to live in a village or small town, you can start thinking of yourself as 'belonging' there after about 20 years!

Please don't stop being curious.

Donald, thanks so much for your kind words.


Bruce

[shreds]

You are forgiven.

Bruce -It's been a fantastic journey. You (and we) have learned so much, not just about the store, but also about life and attitudes in 'small town America'. Take heart from the fact that it is the same all over the world ... at least as much of it as I know. We always say over here that if you go to live in a village or small town, you can start thinking of yourself as 'belonging' there after about 20 years!

Please don't stop being curious.

Interesting.

My late mother lived in the same small town for over 60 years and in the same house for over 50 years. A few years before she passed on she did comment

'I think I have lived here long enough now to consider myself a local. They don't accept people too quickly though round here. Do you think they accept me"?

I don't think there was anyone old enough to pass a negative opposite view, so I guess she had made the mark!

I told her she was accepted!

[Digital]

Ian, thank you for your comments.


Bruce

[Mike Buckley]

Great story, Ian!

[shreds]

I do think it is one of the great tragedies of life that we spend a lifetime of mentally recording memories, facts and knowledge, but unless you can record it in some way for others to interpret, such as writing a book or photographing it along the way, it is very difficult for others to interpret or gain that same knowledge to hold for their lifetime or be able to pass to others.

I was recently talking to one of the owners of a smart restaurant / bar, as I used to work in the building long before it became its present use. To say he was fascinated by some of the knowledge I had about the building, which I don't regard as rare or truly unique (even though some of it is), lead him to suggest I write a book about my local knowledge.

It is too late to photograph my memories from years ago, but it really does make you realise that history is only yesterday and in future others may have an interest in that.

Makes you think...... keep on photographing, be it for pleasure, posterity or artistry. It really does have a value and defines you.

(Donald, I still have your b/w 'trees' picture on the wall that you sold via your first exhibition and here. It always gives me inspiration! Thank you.)

[Digital]

I still have not heard from Ralph ( Caldwell's grandson's brother-in-law) regarding the dates that I requested regarding the Caldwell store.
I wish I could relay to you the reason why I have not seen Ralph recently. The only thing (without violating Ralph's privacy) I can tell you is that a member of Ralph's immediate family is in very poor health. Perhaps, in the future (with Ralph's permission) I can give you more details.
As I was writing this post, I re-read Ian's post (refer to #236). What he stated in this post I agree with 100%.
Thank you Ian.

Bruce ("still on the case Sleuth")

[Digital]

Within the last 2-3 weeks Ralph has returned to the Senior Citizens Center. Today I had lunch with him, and I asked if I could relate to the CiC members on why he was absent so long. He graciously gave his permission.
Ralph's wife died about three weeks ago after a long bout with cancer.
I have not given up on having Ralph talk to his brother-in-law (Caldwell's grandson) about the opening, and closing dates of the Caldwell store; however I do believe that it might be better, at this time, to wait awhile.
As I told Ralph today, he has been an integral part of this narrative, and the last thing I want to do his pressure him about this.

Bruce ("the" Sleuth)

[Rainforest]

I'm editing my post - I need to go back and catch up first!

[Mike Buckley]

It's good of you to continue hanging in there, Bruce. So sorry to learn of the death of Ralph's wife.