Old Country Store (then and now)

[skitterbug]

Your "memories" of your grandfather are endearing. Thank you for sharing them. It reminds me of my childhood and visits to the "old farm". It had no indoor plumbing, no electricity, 1 cow, chickens and a loving grandmother and her sister who would welcome me with open arms. It doesn't take much to make a child happy really - love and acceptance.

I'm looking forward to "the rest of this story" and I appreciate the time you've invested in developing it. Also the accompanying photos are well done!

Thank you for sharing!

[Digital]

I came across a loose thread (pardon the pun) about a possible occurrence that happened at the Caldwell store while it was operational. I am trying to track down if it occurred. Received conflicting reports. Once I find out if happened or not, I will document the history of this store.
Thanks for your patience.

Bruce ("still on the case" Sleuth)

[Digital]

Still pursuing the "loose thread" (refer to post #282). If I did not think that this was a possible important piece of information, I would go ahead, and conclude this thread. Bear with me.

Also, have not heard from Ralph's sister about my request. Plan to email her in the next few days hoping to receive a positive response.

Bruce ("soon to be ex" Sleuth)

[Digital]

Today I learned that the incident(s) did occur at the Caldwell store. This has been confirmed by at least two independent sources.
Also, I found out that a gentlemen who resides practically right across from the store may have further information.

This information has led me to the conclusion that the Caldwell store may have more to tell. For the last week or so I have had the feeling that I may have been premature in choosing to close this thread. I do not want to disappoint the readers who have been following this story; however I really believe that this saga has more to it. As a result I will continue to ask questions.

I would love to hear from you regarding what I have written here.

Bruce ("still on the case" Sleuth)

[Cantab]

Bruce, you have some of us perched on the edge of our chairs with anticipation!

I look forward to reading what the "incident" was. Does it have any connection with the present condition of the building?

[Digital]

I look forward to reading what the "incident" was. Does it have any connection with the present condition of the building?[/QUOTE]

Hi Bruce (Cantab)
The answer is no.


Bruce ("the" Sleuth)

[skitterbug]

The information you've provided along with the photos are intriguing and I hope you do finish the "story". Who would have thought when you started out, that this adventure would develop? I look forward to the completion whenever that happens.

Today I learned that the incident(s) did occur at the Caldwell store. This has been confirmed by at least two independent sources.
Also, I found out that a gentlemen who resides practically right across from the store may have further information.

This information has led me to the conclusion that the Caldwell store may have more to tell. For the last week or so I have had the feeling that I may have been premature in choosing to close this thread. I do not want to disappoint the readers who have been following this story; however I really believe that this saga has more to it. As a result I will continue to ask questions.

I would love to hear from you regarding what I have written here.

Bruce ("still on the case" Sleuth)

[Donald]

That old store is not let you get any rest!

[Digital]

Sandy, thank you for your kind comments.

Donald, there is a lot of truth to what you stated.

Bruce

[Digital]

Photo #23

Let me introduce you to the Concord Primitive Baptist Church. As you view the photo, the Caldwell Store is to the left of you across McKenzie Bridge Road. The Caldwell store is on the northeast corner of McKenzie Bridge Road; the church is on the southeastern corner. When I take photos of the Caldwell store, I use the church's parking lot (also on the left of this pic) to park my vehicle.

My plan is to have a face to face interview with two more possible sources of information regarding the Caldwell store. Will keep you updated.


Bruce ("keeping at it" Sleuth)

[Digital]

Photo #24

Another view of the Concord Primitive Baptist Church.

I received an email from Ralph's sister: the family has kindly given me permission to use Ralph's real name as well as a photo of him. I will also include a brief description about him as a person.
This will be done at the conclusion of this thread.

Bruce ("grateful" Sleuth)

[skitterbug]

Hi Bruce,

This Church is an interesting structure too. I like the first with the grave yard to the right but both photos are well done in my estimation. And I am still intrigued with your story! Thank you for your diligence and hard work digging out information and sharing it with us.

[Digital]

Sandy, thank you for your very kind comments. I do not believe that without the encouragement of readers such as yourself that I would have had the motivation to carry on with this story. I am very humbled that I have the interest of so many at CiC with this saga.

Bruce ("humbled" Sleuth)

[Digital]

You all may have wondered why it is taking so long to conclude this thread. There are several reasons for this: the first is I attempt to verify everything I learn about the Caldwell store. If information is given to me, I attempt to find another source that can collaborate the information that was given to me by the first source. As an example I learned from a source very close to the Caldwell family that an incident occurred while the Caldwell store was operational. Although I was certain that the information was accurate, I wanted to verify that information from another source that the said incident did actually occur.
Due to the fact I am only a part time "journalist" this verification process may take some time. Another reason that I have not already concluded this thread is that new avenues of information have opened up recently. This is especially true since Ralph died, and I have depended more on my own initiative to gather information.
My plan (as stated in post #290) is to interview two persons who live close to the store for further information. Depending on what I learn from these two interviews, may lead me to other bits of information from other sources. It also may lead me to the conclusion that I have exhausted all avenues in this story. At this point, I simply do not know. To me, it is like putting a jigsaw puzzle together without having knowledge of how many pieces you have.
Finally, I need to explain something. I have stated in previous posts that all I needed to conclude this story was the opening, and closing dates of the Caldwell store. Prior to his death. I was hoping Ralph could obtain this information. After he died, I realized that I was on my own, and that is when a decision was made to interview the sole surviving child of Mr.& Mrs. Caldwell.
One of the first questions I asked was when the Caldwell store became operational, and what year it ceased operation.
Although I now have the information that I needed to close this thread, my "instincts" told me there was more to this story. Circumstances, later, proved me right. So my quest continues.

Bruce ("novice journalist" Sleuth)

[skitterbug]

A cliff hanger....... I'm looking forward to more! <LOL> Good hunting for info!

[Cantab]

Bruce, it sounds as if you have good detective/journalist instincts!

[Digital]

Photo #25

Almost two months ago to the day, I photographed the Caldwell store. As you can see in this photo, the tree limb is still there; however the tires in the lower right corner of the building have since been removed (refer to photo #17)

Still plan to interview my two sources in the near future.


Bruce ("photographer" Sleuth)

[mugge]

Bruce (Sleuth), keep us informed. The plot thickens and I need to know, now.
Cheers Ole

[Digital]

Photo #26

Approximately 50 yards down McKenzie Bridge Road (heading east) is this structure. It is located behind the Caldwell store. As you face this picture (facing north), the Caldwell store is to your left. It should be noted that this structure is close to what I identified as the Caldwell Grist Mill (refer to photo #3)
It appears to be a foundation of some type of building. What type of building, and what it was used for is a mystery.
I plan to find out, and I know the person that maybe able to give me an answer.


Bruce ("questioning" Sleuth)

[Cantab]

Yes, my first thought was a foundation. But it would be a very strange looking house that sat on such a foundation. Another mystery to keep us in suspence!