By Rich Wicks | Times Vedette
Before today’s mega-stores, there were general stores. In the 1800s and early 1900s, general stores could be counted on to stock nearly every product a person needed, although the vast array of sizes and varieties and flavors we expect nowadays were not available.
On the grounds of the Guthrie County Historical Village, a general store awaits visitors who want to see how different shopping was back in the day. One obvious difference is that shoppers didn’t walk down aisles. Instead, products were displayed behind counters, which meant the clerk would grab what the shopper asked for.
The general store building at the GCHV never actually served as a general store, but it has been renovated to serve that purpose now. The original Monteith General Store was built in 1881 but burned down on Christmas Day 1882. A month later, a new store opened. It later burned down, in 1929.
The general store display includes a nostalgic post office, which was used as the Safeside Post Office from 1897 to 1904. Safeside was located a few miles outside of Adair. The display still shows the original names from when the Safeside Post Office was in use.
This building and many others are filled with memories and items from the good old days. They can be enjoyed at the Guthrie County Historical Village, which is open Tuesdays through Fridays 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and 1-4:30 p.m. on Saturdays and holidays. In mid-October, the GCHV closes for the season.
The GCHV website (thegchv.com) has more information on displays, programs and special events.
The general store at Guthrie County Historical Village.
Almost everything was in stock, including Prince Albert in a can.
Various medicines and products for the needs of the day.
Safeside Post Office.