Old Country Store (then and now)

[AlwaysOnAuto]

I remember reading this when the first pics were posted.
For the life of me I couldn't figure out why this thread would have a long life.
Just finished reading it (well, most of it), and now I know.
Waiting for the final chapter to come out.

[Digital]

First of all, I want to thank all you for your support in following this thread. Without your support it would have been a more difficult job to continue my research on the history of this store.
Lately, there have been some comments made about the length of this thread. These comments were by no means critical; however they did give me pause in that while I will continue my endeavors, I do not have to continue giving you all day by day updates on what I have been doing. In short, I will continue seeking answers about this store from approximately the 1920's to the 1970's, and once I get the information all together -I believe I will eventually will - I will post the results on this thread.
One of the reasons I am telling you all this is the revelations from the Caldwell deed, which frankly blew me away, in that I discovered I was going to have to dig deeper into the history of this store. This is going to take time, hence, in all probability, a longer thread.
Please do not get me wrong, I do not mind informing you of all my missteps or numerous mistakes in attempting to secure answers on a day by day basis; however even I am getting a little uncomfortable about the length of this thread. I was hoping that I would have this story wrapped up by now, obviously I was wrong.
I need your input. Thanks.

Bruce (Sleuth)

[Dave Humphries]

I need your input.

Bruce, there will be some readers that will prefer to read only the 'answers' (aka significant progress), while others will find the process, including the mis-steps, interesting.

If I were to guess; the process (aka activity updates) will be more relevant to members living in the US, where the official organisations you refer to mean more, especially if someone is considering a similar investigation in their own locale.

I see no harm in continuing as you have been, perhaps post when something significant is learnt - certainly don't feel obliged to provide daily updates.

Dave

PS
I saw a story similar to yours on FB (FaceBook) today, but couldn't find a way to provide a link to it for you, it was also on Google+, so if you belong to either of them (let me know), you should be able to see it.

[Saorsa]

I find searches like this interesting and hope you keep updating as you make discoveries.

Seeing the connections over time is always fascinating.

One example is the roots of the American revolution in the British border wars and the settlement of Northern Ireland.

[Mike Buckley]

My recommendation is that you contribute to the thread in whatever style you will enjoy the most. You are doing all of the work, so you should report on that work in a fashion that will be most enjoyable to you.

If you decide to continue posting the detailed updates but are concerned about the interest to others, perhaps begin each post with a headline displayed in a bold font indicating whether the post provides an update about your activities or fundamental answers to questions. Perhaps the headings, activity update and answers to questions, or something similar would be helpful. People who don't want to take the time to read the activity updates could quickly skip those posts and wait until a post appears that contains fundamental answers, making it possible perhaps for people of both ilks to easily enjoy your thread.

[Marie Hass]

I am in as well. Here is WV, there are many abandoned structures and to me, it is important to know the real history, not just heresay. Post away.

Marie

[Cantab]

I am in as well. Here is WV, there are many abandoned structures and to me, it is important to know the real history, not just heresay. Post away.

Marie

Marie, your reference to the existence of abandoned structures reminded me of something I thought about yesterday. I've never visited the southeast US but am getting the probably erroneous impression that the countryside is dotted with derelict buildings! I'm sure that's a misperception but nonethless wonder about the existence of abandoned homes and stores in what was probably an actively populated community in years gone by, presumably because of people moving away to larger population centres?

[joebranko]

I find your thread very interesting and hope you continue to post in whichever manner you find most enjoyable.

[Mike Buckley]

Marie, your reference to the existence of abandoned structures reminded me of something I thought about yesterday. I've never visited the southeast US but am getting the probably erroneous impression that the countryside is dotted with derelict buildings! I'm sure that's a misperception but nonethless wonder about the existence of abandoned homes and stores in what was probably an actively populated community in years gone by, presumably because of people moving away to larger population centres?

I've traveled in many countries on several continents from well above to well below below the equator and my perspective is that the occasional derelict buildings in both urban and rural areas are everywhere. The highest concentration of those buildings in a small area has almost always been caused by an area's dependence on a particular industry that ultimately died in that area. An example would be a town formed primarily as a mining town in which mining came to a stop.

A lot of people tend to notice those derelict buildings more when they travel, not realizing that they exist in their own area because they have simply gotten used to seeing them there.

[Digital]

I just wanted you all to know that I am still on this quest. Had some personal business to take care of. This coming weekend I plan to post some photos connected to this thread. Next week I plan to return to the Carroll County Clerk's office to see if I can get my paws (i.e. hands) on the warranty deed that was mentioned in the Caldwell transaction with Mrs. Mae Muse in 1942.
Also, I want to attempt to obtain some documentation regarding the interaction between the Muse family, and the estate of J.F. McKenzie in 1936. I hope also to attempt to determine when the McKenzie family obtained the lot.in question.

Finally, I want to thank all of you guys/gal (Dave, Brian, Mike, Marie, "the other" Bruce, and Joe) for your input. I am still pondering your very kind comments, and suggestions. Also, I want to again thank all of the persons who have patiently followed this thread.

Bruce ("Still here" Sleuth)

[Digital]

I have to apologize for not posting anything for awhile as well as not providing you all the photos that I promised you all in my last post (refer to post #190).
I have had to deal with some issues that have precluded me from continuing my research. I am hoping that these issues will resolve themselves in the very near future. Please note that these "issues" were by no means related to my research on the store in question.
As I have stated previously, thank you so much for your patience, and encouragement.

Bruce (Sleuth)

[gregj1763]

Dont stress Bruce, take your time. I'm not on CiC every day but look in now and then to see updates on your project.
Greg

[Digital]

This is not an update, mainly it is a refresher in my research: have not forgotten my relationship with Ralph; however his family's situation has not improved - in fact it has worsened. As a result the door to getting information from his brother-in-law (grandson) is closed for now. The information I had hoped to obtain from the wholesale food distributor about when they served (if in fact they did) the Caldwell store, and/or another store in that same building prior to the Caldwell ownership is on temporary hold since my potential source is currently ill. Also another local source has been touring the West, and as a result has not gotten n touch with his potential source of information as of this date. My local source is back, and I plan to request his assistance next Tuesday. These sources are right now in different situations in their lives, and for the most part are out of my control at this point.
However, I do have control of when I can revisit the Carroll County Clerk's office to research the Caldwell warranty deed. I am pretty sure that there is a warranty deed since W.C. Caldwell eventually owned that property, and passed on to one of his children-reference: Carroll County Property Tax records. Also, I hope to find out more about the Muse "ownership" of the property. Finally, I need to find when J.F. McKenzie bought that property, and what he used the structure for that was built in 1920, which eventually became the Caldwell Grocery circa 1942.
Next, I do have control over when I can view the Times-Georgian newspaper archives that are housed on microfiche at The Carroll County Library. I must admit that I have been putting this part of the research off; however it may turn out the most profitable in regards to my "sleuthing".
Also, I have yet to take, and post the photos that I promised you all about two weeks ago. I have no excuse now in that the weather has turned cooler in Carrollton, and the days have just been superb. The aspect of taking the photos is definitely under my control.
Lastly, I have yet to email the Coca-Cola Company for information regarding their policy on repainting their trademark on grocery stores that are no longer operational. For some of you all, this has been an item (if I may use that term), and obviously emailing the Coca-Cola Company is also under my control. I am somewhat satisfied of the answers I have received from three sources; however I will email the Coca-Cola Company again.
Am informing you readers of this since I feel the need to let you all know that I have not forgotten the above mentioned items. This research has turned into somewhat of a maze, and I want to let you guys/gals know that I have not forgotten some potential promising paths in this maze.
Bear with me.

Bruce ("The" Sleuth")

[Mike Buckley]

No need to let us know you haven't forgotten anything; anyone who has read the thread would know quite obviously that that would never happen.

[Digital]

Mote Road (#14)

This is the road that is directly across from the old Caldwell store. In this pic you can see Highway 113 (road from Carrollton to Temple) in the foreground. The store was directly behind me when I took this photo. McKenzie Bridge Road is to my left in this photo.

Carroll County Court House (#15)

This photo is of the Carroll County Court House where the County Clerk's office (2nd floor) is located. The current Court House is approximately 3-5- years old.

Carroll County Library (#16)

This building houses the Times-Georgian newspaper archives. I was unable to view the microfiche today; however I did research the McKenzie, and Muse families. Based on today's research, I am pretty sure that McKenzie Bridge Road is named after an ancestor of J. F. McKenzie. In regards to the Muse family, I found two persons with the middle name of Mae Muse. Since there were two different birthdays for these individuals, I surmised that we are talking about two different individuals.
Also I do not know if the Mae Muse mentioned in the Caldwell deed is a married name or possibly her maiden name. This is all fine, and good; however this is not what my research is centered upon at present.


The week of October 1st, I plan to return to the Carroll County Court House, and the Carroll County Library.


Bruce ("tired Sleuth")

[Digital]

This evening I discussed with an attorney on doing a title search on the Caldwell property. Next week (he is a pool player), I am going to show him a copy of the Caldwell deed, and he will give me an estimate of how much a title search would cost, and then I will make a decision on whether this fits into my budget. My goal with this title search is to find out when the McKenzie family purchased the property if that is possible.
Although a title search by a competent person - an attorney- may not shed light on what the targeted structure was used for from 1920 to circa 1942 it may direct me to leads that will give me an answer to that question. I have also decided to contact the grocery distributor while he is at work as opposed to trying to get some information while he is directing his pool playing team. Wow Bruce, that is a good idea. Duh. I may have an inside to this food distribution center in that my former minister works as a salesman for this company. The minister in question is my "former" minister because yours truly ceased to attend the church this said minister officiates at. There is something to be said about "burning bridges".
This statement may seem out of left field; however this needs to be related to you all: I am closer than ever to concluding this thread in that I just need who owned what, and the dates of ownership, what the McKenzie building was used for from 1920 to when the Muse family purchased it in 1936, and did the Muse family use the store for anything. Finally the year that W.C. Caldwell began operation of his store, and when it ceased operation. Regarding the cessation of the store's operation there is some "suggestion" that Mrs. Essie Caldwell attempted to operate the store when her husband -due to health reasons- was no longer able to manage it. Please note, that I have no hard evidence of this.

I am requesting suggestions (if you have any) from my ever faithful readers or viewers or whatever.


Bruce ("Enlightened or Lazy" -you choose- Sleuth)

[Cantab]

Bruce, this sounds like a good plan of action. It'll be interesting to hear the input from the pool playing attorney.

[Mike Buckley]

No suggestions from me except to continue persevering so long as the unanswered questions continue to interest you.

[Digital]

Today I sauntered over to the Carroll County Library to view the newspaper archives. With the assistance of a nice young lady, I was able to view the archives starting circa 1922.
A little bit of history: at one time there were apparently two newspapers that served the Carrollton area - Carroll County Times, and the Times-Georgian. These papers eventually merged into the present day Times-Georgian. I do not know the date that this merger occurred.
The microfilm I was able to view today was the archives from the Carroll County Times. Unfortunately, I was only able to access the microfilm for only an hour before the computer timed me out. In some ways this was a blessing since by the time the computer maxed me out I was seeing double at looking at the fine print. I do not find anything related to the said store in relation to J.F. McKenzie; however I did learn that the Carrollton area residents apparently had a lot of liver problems, in that I saw a lot of advertisements for medication for this particular malady. In my humble opinion this condition may have been caused by drinking to much sweet tea.
Within the coming week, I plan to revisit the library to continue my search of the newspaper archives.

Bruce ("Determined" Sleuth)

[Cantab]

Bruce,
On an unrelated topic, are you near where Hurricane Matthew will hit Georgia?