Homefolks U.S.A.

Hi folks,

It’s so good to see people in a buying mood, and that is beginning to happen in our part of the country.

The past few weeks, more people are beginning to shop for that merchandise they have been thinking about for quite some time. Thanks always for including our business when the buying mood strikes.

So much change is taking place downtown, and I sure hope it’s better for all. It’s a little sad to see some of our old buildings being torn down, but maybe that is a sign of progress. The old Pickett Machine Shop was leveled to the ground last week. I have so many great memories of the years when Bruce and his crew were doing welding in that old building.

M.S. Industries has been doing a lot of remodeling on the old First National Bank building on main street. At one time that building housed Felton Hardware, and V.J. Elmore’s 5-10 store was just a few doors down. I doubt if there is a 5-10 store in existence anywhere now. The big box stores have done away with a lot of the small businesses.

I am thankful that I have good memories of Elmore’s and White’s 5-10 stores. In my collection of old memorabilia, I still have two cash registers from White’s and a beautiful old desk from Elmore’s. I also possess two bar stools from Kent’s Café, a Remington Gun sign from Felton’s Hardware, a sales book from Clark’s Department Store, several shoe signs from Jack Bowen Shoe Shop and a peanut machine and a pie display from the Speedy Pig Restaurant.

A group of pictures show the old Russellville Coke Plant, and I have another set of pictures from Richardson Lumber Company, later to be Hargett Lumber Company. All of these pictures are in custom-built cedar frames.

All of this merchandise is for sale. I want to let someone else enjoy this merchandise from long ago. Many of these items would make excellent gifts for that person who has about everything.

In the past few weeks I have made a mental note of folks giving directions for merchandise that was to be delivered. One person said, “Turn left at Gene Myrick’s Store.” Another asked, “Remember where the Duboise Monument was located?” Another said “turn left at Leon Taylor’s old store.” A lot of people would have no idea of what they were referring to, but for me it brought back a lot of memories. Good memories.

Til next time,

Your friend,

Bobby

Thought for the Day

Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be.