Old Country Store (then and now)

[Digital]

Bruce (Cantab)
I agree with you.

Bruce

[Digital]

I talked to a person today that I thought may have knowledge of the structure (refer to photo #26). He related that he had heard that dirt and/or fertilizer was stored there. The structure never had a roof. He did not know if the Caldwell store owners owned this structure. I am still awaiting a response from a possible source that I emailed yesterday.
I have a feeling I am chasing a dead end.

Bruce (baffled" Sleuth)

[skitterbug]

Hi Bruce, The cement structure does look like the kind of thing that people in my area would put a load of mulch or top soil in, during the summer months mostly. Then as they sold the mulch, etc. the seller would use a skid loader to scoop the material to load onto someone's truck/trailer. Maybe the 'general store' did business with the local gardeners? And had this material on hand to be used in their gardens, landscapes, etc.?
Just a thought......
I wonder if old newspapers would have advertisements about what was sold from this store and cement structure? Do you have a local library and a helpful librarian that could help you sort out information?
Hoping you have some success!

[Digital]

Sandy, thanks for the information. This pretty well fits in what I was told by the source I spoke to yesterday.
What I do not know is whether the Caldwell store owners operated from this site when they were alive. Also, whether it was there when they were living.
Regarding searching archives of old local newspaper, I did that about a year age looking for any coverage of the Caldwell store.
Unfortunately, I was unable to find anything related to the Caldwell store. Anyway, thanks for the suggestion.

Bruce ("sleuthing" Sleuth)

[skitterbug]

Hi Bruce - I guess I was thinking more along the lines of adverts about products for sale rather than actual articles about Caldwell store. Hopefully, you can find someone with some knowledge about it yet. We have a coffee meeting every morning of the older fellas in our community that probably know everyone and such! Do you have a group like that?

[Digital]

This Sleuth has been absent for a few weeks due to handling some personal issues (fortunately not medical related).
Next week I hope to continue my research on the Caldwell store. I am going to start out by attempting to interview the person who lives across the highway from said store.
Will keep you informed.

Bruce ("back on the case" Sleuth)

[Digital]

Yesterday I received an email from Ralph's sister. She indicated that the photo (refer to photo #26) had apparently nothing to do with the old Caldwell store. I got the same impression shortly after I posted the photo.
She was also kind enough to share further information with me. I will share it with you CIC members in the future.

It does not look like I will be attempting to schedule any interviews this week. More likely next week.


Bruce ("procrastinator" Sleuth)

[Digital]

Today is a banner day: received another email from Ralph's sister today. She gave further information on the store. As a result I want to correct an error regarding photo #3, post #61 (Grist Mill). This photo is actually a warehouse, and eventually housed the equipment for the grist mill after the grist mill no longer was operational. The actual grist mill was located across the street from the store. It no longer exists. Also, the ice house that was partially seen in photo #4, post #62 is the foundation. Apparently the rest of the ice house deteriorated over time. These errors were mine, and mine only.
Ralph's sister (I will call her Stephanie) has been a godsend to me lately. Also, her husband (let us call him Frank) who is one of the Caldwell"s grandsons (Ralph's brother-in-law) has assisted in giving me further information. Frank has agreed to meet me at the Caldwell store to supply me with further information, if he can.
I will arrange a meeting with Frank at both our conveniences.
I am a Christian, and I believe Ralph (in some form or fashion), had a hand in this. God rest his soul.


Bruce (very "grateful" Sleuth)

[Cantab]

Bruce, this is very interesting new news!

By the time you have your story completed, you'll have put together an interesting piece of local history, all triggered by the mysterious repainting and reroofing of a decrepit old store. Is there a local museum where your photos and written history could eventually reside?

[Digital]

Bruce (Cantab), thank you for your input. I do not know of any such place in the Carroll Co. area. Bruce, even if I did, I would hesitate due to the fact that I do not want the notoriety.
This is really all about the store. I obtain enough positives from readers such as yourself.

Bruce ("again humbled" Sleuth)

[Digital]

Sandy, the only place I know of in Carrollton is the Senior Citizens Center, which I am currently a member. Although lately I have not been attending regularly.
The Senior Citizens Center has definitely "older fellas", and they drink a lot of coffee.
This was a good suggestion, and I will keep my eyes, and ears open.

Bruce ("learning" Sleuth)

[skitterbug]

Hi Bruce - Yep, sounds like it is time for a good cuppa coffee!

I'm curious as usual. Are there any historical buildings in Carrollton? Some you could add to this as background information? Or will that deviate from the main topic too much.......?

Thanks for sharing what you've discovered! It is an interesting story!

[Digital]

Sandy, my apology to you for not getting back with you on your suggestion sooner (refer to post #305).
There are historical buildings (most likely like everywhere else) in Carrollton. I am embarrassed to admit that I am ignorant of these places, with the possible exception of the Old Carroll Court House. My old rationale for saying this is that it looks old - hence historical. I do know of another historical site; however (bear with me) I will give more details about this in another thread.
You have given me a possible lead to future stories that have taken place in or around the Carrollton area. I do not know if you remember, I started another thread - "The History of the Episcopal/Roman Catholic Church in Carroll Co" This is an historical thread. I do not want to continue this thread until I have finished this one. Although I did start that thread, it was (IMHO) a mistake. I need to devote my attention to this story before I start another one.
Please keep the suggestions coming. I am a novice at this, and need all the assistance I can receive.
Finally, there is a lot of coffee served at the Senior Citizens Center, and it is very good.

Bruce ("caffeniated" Sleuth)

[skitterbug]

Hi Bruce - I totally understand! And I realize I really need to go back to the beginning and read this interesting story again so I stop making suggestions that have already been made! <chuckle>

I do remember the thread about the church now that you mention it! It is definitely an interesting one too!

By the way, does the Senior Center serve donuts with the coffee? YUM!

[Digital]

Sandy, Do not hesitate to make suggestions. I can handle redundancy.
Yes, the Senior Center serves pastries Monday thru Friday until 10:30 a.m.

Bruce ("pastry eating" Sleuth)

[Digital]

Late last evening, Stephanie (Ralph's sister) emailed me informing me that she had further information to share. She will email me this information either today (Sunday) or Monday.
Her focus appears to be on the opening, and closing dates of the store.
Will get back in touch with you all when I obtain further information.

Bruce ("happy" Sleuth)

[Digital]

Tanner Grocery in Carrollton has been in business for approximately 125 years. The thing about Tanner Grocery is that they supply stores with food items. It is a very real possibility that Tanner Grocery had the Caldwell store as one of their customers.
I have requested my former minister (who is retired from Tanner Grocery) to supply me with a name of a person at Tanner who maybe able to verify when Tanner stared service to the Caldwells as well as when they ceased service.
My former minister related he would get back to me sometime this week.

Bruce ("thrilled" Sleuth)

[Digital]

Some astute observer of the Caldwell store pointed out something to me today that maybe a structural engineer can explain.
When the branch pierced the tin roof, supposedly during a storm, it would appear that the piece of tin roof would be in the downward position, instead of up.
Can someone explain this to a simple mind like me?

Bruce ("perplexed" Sleuth)

[xpatUSA]

Some astute observer of the Caldwell store pointed out something to me today that maybe a structural engineer can explain.
When the branch pierced the tin roof, supposedly during a storm, it would appear that the piece of tin roof would be in the downward position, instead of up.
Can someone explain this to a simple mind like me?

I haven't seen that image (thread's getting a bit long) but can imagine a long branch piercing the roof and falling so that the heavy part of the branch levers the pierced part upward. Elementary, Captain, said Spock ...

Bruce ("perplexed" Sleuth)

[Digital]

Ted, thanks for commenting. Refer to page 13, post #250, and Photo #18.



Bruce ("enlightened" Sleuth)