Old Country Stores

This article was originally published May 1, 2014 in “Down Home Magazine”.

When we hear Bentonville mentioned, many of us think about the American Civil War battle that took place there in March of 1865 and the historic site of the battlefield that one can visit. However, today’s Bentonville has a little hidden treasure that many of us pass by and never notice. It’s right there at the intersection of Harper House Road and Devil’s Race Track Road, next to the Methodist Church, and catty-cornered from the fire department. We’re talking about C. W. Flower’s Store – a real and still active old country store.

The first time I stopped there, I felt a little like I stepped back in time. It was a hot summer day on my return trip to Goldsboro, and an ice-cold Pepsi was in order for sure! Walking in, I found a somewhat worn floor with chairs sitting around. They had both Pepsi and Coke as well as many other varieties. I saw canned goods, paper goods, and just about anything you’d need in a pinch. Additionally, they sell hardware, tires, fertilizer, and other things you wouldn’t think would necessarily be in a country store. Mr. Wilson Lee, the current owner, said one of the oldest things he has left over from many years ago are Vulcan Plow points. That’s way before my time!

According to Mr. Lee, the store was built around 1940 by C. W. Flowers and run by him until about 1955. Mr. Flower’ nephew, J. L Flowers, Jr. ran the store until 1985, and his children sold it to Mr. Lee who began running the store in 1986. The name was never changed because it was well known throughout the area and beyond.

Old country stores weren’t just a place to buy things. They were also a community gathering place – a place where a farmer would stop by to catch up on what his neighbors were doing. You might even find a friendly game of checkers or cards or just people sitting around enjoying conversation about how to solve the world’s problems.

My dad’s sister, Mary Lou, ran a store across from the Belfast Fire Department north of Goldsboro when I was growing up. That old concrete block building is gone now, but I remember Howell’s Grocery Store where you could pick up that loaf of bread, a half-gallon of milk, or maybe a “drink and nab” if you were hungry. You could also have your car filled up with gas – only full service.

I also remember Lillie’s Store on US. 19 north of Abingdon, Virginia. That was a treasure house of fun for a 10 year-old to explore. The first floor was the main store with mostly grocery items. The second floor had clothing and other items that you wouldn’t normally see in today’s convenience store. The third floor had everything that they didn’t sell and didn’t want to throw away, and that’s where the other kids and I spent many hours investigating. Lillie’s burned in the late 60’s, and today, I believe there is a convenience store at that location.

Country stores have mostly been replaced by commercial convenience stores designed to get us in and out quickly in our fast-paced world. However, if you’re down in Bentonville area, stop by C. W. Flowers Store and have a look around, buy that “drink and nab” if you’re hungry, and enjoy making a stop on Backroads Carolina.