Old Country Store (then and now)

[Digital]

Have not posted on this thread for some time. Update: I see Ralph (Caldwell's grandson's brother-in-law) about once or twice a week. Since Ralph's wife died, I have been hesitant to ask Ralph to ask his brother-in-law about the opening, and closing dates of the Caldwell store.
I believe sufficient time has passed to request his assistance in obtaining this information for me.
What it boils down to is this: this entire thread has been a story about obtaining a story. It has really been a story of the journey rather than about the destination.
I will be in touch.

Bruce (a "persistent" Sleuth)

[skitterbug]

Wonderful story Bruce.And you have excellent photos as a lead in to your narrative.

I do have a thought about how you could collect the information you are seeking. Would Ralph be agreeable to giving you Caldwell's Grandson's brother-in-law's phone number so you could call and talk with him about the store? Or would that be way too "forward" of a thing to ask for?

I can also relate to moving into a small town from an area 100 miles away. We were known as "the new people" for too many years. Not sure we ever reached the status of "local". I graduated from school there and then moved to another little town about 10 miles away and you guessed it, I once again was classified as "the new person". Not sure I'll ever become a local! <LOL>

Hope you do solve your mystery. I'll be watching for the conclusion! Thanks for an interesting thread!

Smiles,
Sandy

Have not posted on this thread for some time. Update: I see Ralph (Caldwell's grandson's brother-in-law) about once or twice a week. Since Ralph's wife died, I have been hesitant to ask Ralph to ask his brother-in-law about the opening, and closing dates of the Caldwell store.
I believe sufficient time has passed to request his assistance in obtaining this information for me.
What it boils down to is this: this entire thread has been a story about obtaining a story. It has really been a story of the journey rather than about the destination.
I will be in touch.

Bruce (a "persistent" Sleuth)

[Digital]

Update: I requested from Ralph yesterday that he attempt to obtain the opening, and closing dates of the Caldwell store. He agreed to do so.
Will keep you posted.

Sandy, when I first learned that Ralph was the brother-in-law of Caldwell's grandson, I asked for a contact number for his brother-in-law, and obtained it. I actually spoke to Ralph's sister via phone. She was very kind. I followed up with an email including the two photos that introduced this thread. I received a response by email thanking me for the photos, and some information about the Caldwell store. I sent another email asking specific questions about the store. I did not receive a response. Shortly thereafter, I sent another email attaching another photo. Again, no response. Within a few weeks I received another contact number from another source (not Ralph) of a Caldwell grand-daughter. I actually spoke to the husband of the grand-daughter twice in a phone conversation. Like Ralph's sister, he was also kind. However when it came to talking to the grand-daughter it was the difference between night, and day. She was very suspicious of me, and the tone of her voice led me to believe she was hostile to the whole idea of my information seeking. She did supply me with another grandson's number, relating that I could contact him. I never did.
I believe that, at this point, I discussed with Ralph my frustrations in gathering information from the Caldwell family. It was at this point in time when Ralph stated "you're an outsider". I am originally from Louisville, Ky. At the time all this transpired I was in the area for 16 years.
This is why I have relied on Ralph so much since he knows me, and can act as a intermediate in dealing with his brother-in-law.
Unfortunately, there have been several delays due to a prolonged illness of the brother-in- law, and the subsequent illness, and death of Ralph's wife.
To close on a more positive note, I believe I am nearing the end of this thread.

Bruce

[skitterbug]

You've been chasing answers for quite some time. In fact, by now you ought to be considered one of the "locals" <LOL> But I understand how that works since I've been on the outside looking in for several years too. Some areas just don't trust us strangers!

Hope you can end the mystery. I've enjoyed the dialog!

Have a Happy Thanksgiving ~ Sandy

Update: I requested from Ralph yesterday that he attempt to obtain the opening, and closing dates of the Caldwell store. He agreed to do so.
Will keep you posted.

Sandy, when I first learned that Ralph was the brother-in-law of Caldwell's grandson, I asked for a contact number for his brother-in-law, and obtained it. I actually spoke to Ralph's sister via phone. She was very kind. I followed up with an email including the two photos that introduced this thread. I received a response by email thanking me for the photos, and some information about the Caldwell store. I sent another email asking specific questions about the store. I did not receive a response. Shortly thereafter, I sent another email attaching another photo. Again, no response. Within a few weeks I received another contact number from another source (not Ralph) of a Caldwell grand-daughter. I actually spoke to the husband of the grand-daughter twice in a phone conversation. Like Ralph's sister, he was also kind. However when it came to talking to the grand-daughter it was the difference between night, and day. She was very suspicious of me, and the tone of her voice led me to believe she was hostile to the whole idea of my information seeking. She did supply me with another grandson's number, relating that I could contact him. I never did.
I believe that, at this point, I discussed with Ralph my frustrations in gathering information from the Caldwell family. It was at this point in time when Ralph stated "you're an outsider". I am originally from Louisville, Ky. At the time all this transpired I was in the area for 16 years.
This is why I have relied on Ralph so much since he knows me, and can act as a intermediate in dealing with his brother-in-law.
Unfortunately, there have been several delays due to a prolonged illness of the brother-in- law, and the subsequent illness, and death of Ralph's wife.
To close on a more positive note, I believe I am nearing the end of this thread.

Bruce

[Digital]

Thank you Sandy. You also have a Happy Thanksgiving.


Bruce

[shreds]

Obviously we are still following this thread at a distance, but just wondered if over the past two or three months you were any nearer, or was your comment about 'the end of this thread' more of a prelude to the end of your researches and that you did not see any further information might come to light?

[Digital]

It is with deep regret that I announce that Ralph died this past weekend. For approximately two months he had been in ill health; however he seemed to be recovering. It was during this period of apparent recovery that he died.
Several months ago I asked Ralph to attempt to obtain the opening/closing dates of the Caldwell store from his brother-in-law (Caldwell"s grandson). He agreed to do so. Shortly thereafter he was diagnosed with carcinoma of the lung. So, once again, I placed this thread on hold.
I once asked Ralph if I could cite his real name in this thread. I planned to give his real name, something about his background, and perhaps a photo of him- FYI: a photo of Ralph has been posted on this website several months ago. unrelated to this particular thread. Typical Ralph, he gave me his permission. I hesitant to do this because of deference to his family, and the possibility of some legal concerns.
He was such an integral part of this story, as well as a good friend. He will be missed.

As far as this story goes, I have not made up my mind. I will let you people know.

Bruce (grieving sleuth)

[shreds]

Bruce,

That is very sad and I think that those following this thread would agree that you somehow pass on our joint condolences to his family. It just goes to highlight how short a time and how relatively insignificant we all are in the great scheme of things, which always takes me back to the late Prof Carl Sagan's 'Pale Blue Dot', and perhaps the most significant photograph ever taken by mankind at Sagan's suggestion of the Earth from the outer reaches of the solar system/Universe using the space probe Voyager.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pale_Blue_Dot

His words….

"Look again at that dot. That's here. That's home. That's us. On it everyone you love, everyone you know, everyone you ever heard of, every human being who ever was, lived out their lives.

The aggregate of our joy and suffering, thousands of confident religions, ideologies, and economic doctrines, every hunter and forager, every hero and coward, every creator and destroyer of civilization, every king and peasant, every young couple in love, every mother and father, hopeful child, inventor and explorer, every teacher of morals, every corrupt politician, every "superstar," every "supreme leader," every saint and sinner in the history of our species lived there — on a mote of dust suspended in a sunbeam.

The Earth is a very small stage in a vast cosmic arena. Think of the rivers of blood spilled by all those generals and emperors so that, in glory and triumph, they could become the momentary masters of a fraction of a dot. Think of the endless cruelties visited by the inhabitants of one corner of this pixel on the scarcely distinguishable inhabitants of some other corner, how frequent their misunderstandings, how eager they are to kill one another, how fervent their hatreds.

Our posturings, our imagined self-importance, the delusion that we have some privileged position in the Universe, are challenged by this point of pale light. Our planet is a lonely speck in the great enveloping cosmic dark. In our obscurity, in all this vastness, there is no hint that help will come from elsewhere to save us from ourselves.

The Earth is the only world known so far to harbor life. There is nowhere else, at least in the near future, to which our species could migrate. Visit, yes. Settle, not yet. Like it or not, for the moment the Earth is where we make our stand.

It has been said that astronomy is a humbling and character-building experience. There is perhaps no better demonstration of the folly of human conceits than this distant image of our tiny world. To me, it underscores our responsibility to deal more kindly with one another, and to preserve and cherish the pale blue dot, the only home we've ever known".

-- Carl Sagan, Pale Blue Dot, 1994


One of the most erudite and well written pieces of prose that I can recall and worth referring back to in times of strife and doubt. And perhaps worth remembering that in our short existence, there is never a moment to waste or not assist others in passing on our knowledge and understanding. We all view things differently, and will all take different things away from the same experience, but ultimately it is that expanding and diversification of knowledge that is crucial to our human existence.

Rest in Peace, Ralph, even though we have never met, obviously our mutual friend here, Bruce, has done much to spread that knowledge around the world.

[Digital]

Photo #17

Several weeks ago one of my sources informed me that a tree had fallen on the Caldwell store. Today I snapped a few pics .

Bruce

BTW: I have a closer view of the damage. I will show it when I can get Tinypic to cooperate.

[Digital]

Photo #18

Closer view of the damage.

[Digital]

After some consideration, I have decided to continue my research on the Caldwell store. The rationale behind this decision is either I am stupid or stubborn. Probably both.
Also, I am strongly considering citing Ralph's real name, his background, and a photo of him.

Bruce (stupid and/or stubborn Sleuth)

[Digital]

This evening I emailed Ralph's sister asking for permission from Ralph's family to cite Ralph's real name, something about his background, and a photo of him.


Bruce (continuing to Sleuth)

[Cantab]

Bruce, I'm glad you're continuing your sleuthing. I remain curious and look forward to hearing the end result of your detective work.

Hopefully not too much further damage happens to the store -- at least until you're finished.

[Digital]

Thank you Bruce (Cantab) for your encouragement.

I just received a very nice email from Ralph's sister. She is going to discuss my request with Ralph's children.

Bruce (on the case Sleuth)

[Digital]

Photo #19

Another view of the damage to the Caldwell store. It will be interesting to see whether the damage is repaired.


Bruce (photographing Sleuth)

[Digital]

Photo #20

Photo#21

These photos taken in 2016 (a few weeks apart), in which you have seen in previous posts, however not together. Why am I showing them again?
A few days ago, I was talking to a fellow at the Senior Citizens Center, whose opinion I value a lot. The topic turned to the Caldwell store, and the damage it had recently incurred. I told this fellow about my taking pics of it in 2013, and then in 2016. The discussion turned to the renovations that had been made around 2015. This person related that, in his opinion, due to perpetuity that the Coca-Cola company had done the renovations to the roof, and the Coca-Cola sign on the side of the building. The rationale was that Coca-Cola wanted to preserve it's advertising, especially in a high traffic area. The location of this store is definitely in a high traffic area. The repairs were made to preserve the building in order to preserve the logo on the side of the building.
My source related that Coca-Cola would do enough repair to preserve the building; however they would not do extensive repairs (e.g. interior renovations). Also, if the above information is correct, it explains why the other side of the building was untouched, as well as the interior.

Although the topic of who renovated the building has been mentioned before in this thread, and I may have, in error, relied on two sources (who both worked at the same place, and who may have have just passed on information that was circular in nature.)

My original information was not verified by any family member, or Ralph if I remember correctly.

I believe that Coca-Cola's corporate headquarters is in Atlanta, and I have their phone number. You can guess who I plan to call the first of next week.


Bruce ("The" Sleuth)

[Digital]

Photo #22

I thought you like to see the Old Country Store in b/w,

Bruce

[skitterbug]

I like the b/w conversion. I also find myself wondering how many snakes are hiding under it.....<shudder>

[Digital]

I like the b/w conversion. I also find myself wondering how many snakes are hiding under it.....<shudder>

Thank you Sandy.
As far as snakes, I do not plan to find out how many are under that building.

Bruce ("wary of snakes" Sleuth)

[Digital]

I contacted the Coca-Cola company this morning. I would have had better luck in contacting Fort Knox, and asking how much gold was in their vault.
I was informed by the receptionist (that is far as I got), that the Coca-Cola Company was a big company, and that they had a lot of offices. This response was to my request that I speak to someone in the marketing department. Apparently Coca-Cola does not have a marketing department in their corporate office. The receptionist related that he did not know if Coca-Cola had paid for the renovation of the Caldwell store, and apparently he did not know if the Coca-Cola had such policy. Even if the company did I was not going to be able to get past the receptionist, who by all appearances was giving me the run around. I told him this. He seemed unfazed.
I may call them back in a few days asking for information on the Coca-Cola office that serves the Carrollton area. It will be interesting to find out their response.
Any comments and/or suggestions regarding the above will be greatly appreciated.

Bruce ("exasperated" Sleuth)