Old Country Store (then and now)

[Digital]

On 6/21/13 I photographed this old country store that, as you can see, was in a state of collapse.
Today (6/25/16) I photographed this same building.
Bruce

Then (#1)


Now (#2)


The light is to harsh; should have waited to the "Golden Hour"
I do not have any idea why the repairs were done to this old store. Maybe someone wanted to preserve it in somewhat of its former look.

[Manfred M]

A real mystery there Bruce, there has to be an interesting story behind it. Somebody has certainly put a lot of time, effort and money into this project.

[Digital]

Manfred, totally agree with you. I will ask around and see if I can get a back story on why these repairs were made.


Bruce

[Mike Buckley]

I can't wait to learn the whole story. One question I would ask is why the Coca Cola sign was repainted but not the rest of the building. I assume the rest will also be repainted but why do the sign first rather than last?

[Digital]

I can't wait to learn the whole story. One question I would ask is why the Coca Cola sign was repainted but not the rest of the building. I assume the rest will also be repainted but why do the sign first rather than last?

Mike, that is a very good question

Bruce

[Shadowman]

Nice set.

[Otavio]

Hello, Bruce. Whatever is the reason for the repair, you did an interesting record of the "Then and Now". Very nice. And, of course, it would be interesting to know the story behind...

Cheers,

[Digital]

Thank you John, and Otavio for your very kind comments.



Bruce

[John 2]

Might well be a work I progress. It looks like there has been some gardening as well. Nice record. Might be worth going back again to see how the story ends.

[Digital]

Might well be a work I progress. It looks like there has been some gardening as well. Nice record. Might be worth going back again to see how the story ends.

John, thanks for your comments. I am planning to contact our local newspaper to see if they know anything about this.

Bruce

[John 2]

John, thanks for your comments. I am planning to contact our local newspaper to see if they know anything about this.

Bruce

Don't hold back. While you're at it, sell 'em the story and the photographs.

[PRSearls]

Very nice set and interesting story. The missing roof on the front of the building makes me think there might have been a gas pump there at one time. It would make a wonderful model for a model railroad in the steam era.

[Digital]

Paul, I do remember someone (I have forgotten who) telling me that this store was operational until sometime in the 1970's.
I hope that my contact at the newspaper can shed light on the history of this building, and what is the rationale behind the current repairs.
Thank you so much for your kind comments.

Bruce

[Mike Buckley]

If you really want to spend a lot of time researching the situation, you could go to the public records to determine the owner and then contact the owner.

[Digital]

If you really want to spend a lot of time researching the situation, you could go to the public records to determine the owner and then contact the owner.

Mike, that is a very good suggestion. I have emailed my contact at the newspaper (Times-Georgian), and have attached the photos of the building. I am hoping that he can shed more light on the history, and the reason behind the current repairs. Also, I know the mayor of Carrollton - I used to attend the church he goes to- and I may contact him to see if he knows anything.
One advantage of living in a small community. I am determined to track this story down. In my next life, I plan to be a journalist.
I have a theory that the repairs were done for liability purposes; however would the cost of tearing it down be more expensive than the repairs that were made. Also, why renew the Coca-Cola symbol on the side of the building if it was repaired for liability purposes. I am arguing against my own theory.

Bruce

[Mike Buckley]

I am arguing against my own theory.

And you're doing such a great job of it.

[flashback]

This wasn't a quick and easy fix, the entire roof was re-framed and sheathed (metal roofing this time), I'm guessing it was also stabilized and leveled on its foundation (stone pilings likely). There was something odd going on with the door on the CocaCola side. You can see the door was framed at an odd angle and it cut into the CocaCola sign. In any event this building might have sentimental value to someone or historical. It's important enough that a considerable effort was put into it. Oh yeah and your pitcher takin' is pretty good too.

[Digital]

Jack, thank you for your very kind comments.


Bruce

[Dave Humphries]

Perhaps it is now owned by an advertising agency and they got a commission to use the ad space again, but obviously needed to do something with the structure to ensure it stayed upright.

I'm only half serious, as the work done is more than is necessary as Jack has said.

Perhaps advertising revenue has contributed to the restoration though (or they're hoping it might).

Good shots Bruce, I initially thought you'd posted them in the wrong order, we're so used to seeing things worse now than earlier; barns and sheds, etc.

Cheers, Dave

[Mike Buckley]

Perhaps advertising revenue has contributed to the restoration though (or they're hoping it might).

I can't imagine Coca Cola being willing to pay for advertising in the current state. Now that the sign is already painted, I also can't imagine that Coca Cola would pay simply to prevent someone from covering it up with a new coat of paint. Just the opposite, I can imagine Coca Cola having a problem with someone using the trade marked signage on the building in its current state.