With the expansion of the railroad in the early 1900's, family owned general stores sprang up across every small town in the eastern plains of Colorado. While each shop had their own quaint style, they all provided EVERYTHING essential for a rural family, and even a luxury or two! And when Christmas arrived, children were sure to get that special gift, with jelly beans and licorice in their stockings.
The distinct aroma of pickles in a crook, ripe cheddar cheese and fire burning in the pot- belly stove made it a treat to shop there. The sounds of the squeaky screen door and the shuffle of feet across of the hardwood floor would alert the owner that he had a shopper! Along with the cooking staples of flour and sugar, the countertops were pilled were high with overalls, denim, fabrics, notions, medicines, spices, soap, crocks and dishes. Buggy whips, horse hardnesses, ropes and lanterns, hung on the dusty walls above the hardware displays. Bins were brimming with produce of red potatoes, nuts, and seeds. All the packages were wrapped in brown paper and tied with string. The post office may have shared a space in the back!
For the rural family it was most likely a once -a -week affair, with milk, cream and eggs to be traded at the store.
One of the most famous general stores in the eastern Colorado region was the Dailey Cash Store in Dailey Colorado. For more than 47 years, it served the area until it closed in 1962. This successful establishment was built and opened in 1915. Mable Frank Markham was more than an owner; she operated the post office in the back corner of the store, was the cook for the lunch counter, and rented out rooms for her guests at her residence. Since the store did not have running water, her three sons carried the necessity from the house. The store remained empty for a few years until it was moved to the Overland Trail Museum, in Sterling Colorado in 1992.
Another famous store in Sterling Colorado was Simkins Food Store. This little Main Street
business carried on the family name for more than 45 years. It was started by C.T. Simkins. In later years, sons Taylor and Donald (Pat) helped run the store until it closed in 1976. Today, it is a ice cream and sandwich shop. It still carries the sign above the shop.
On the flat prairie, east of Sterling, and south of Fleming, Colorado, stood a single business, Corbin's General Store in Kelly, Colorado. By the looks of the letters above the store, you could enjoy some entertainment at the Opera House after shopping and getting your mail!
This family owned grocery store in Haxtun Colorado, had several names: Jack and Jill Grocery Store and South Side Grocery Store. Many in the community can still remember shopping here. This store was owned by the Ross Critchlow family and served the public in the 50's and 60's. It was located on highway 6.
Credit: Phillips County Museum, Holyoke Colorado, Overland Trail Museum, Sterling Colorado,
Wilbur Kipp Collection, Haxtun Colorado.
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