The General Store In the 1800’s What did you learn? Photo by: K. Edward Lay

How was the General Store from the 1800’s different than a store today?

Then and Now Looks like a house Made of wood Transportation is a horse and wagon Dirt road No parking lot Shelves not organized Dark Inside Items hanging from the ceiling Items in barrels No bright signs Lots of windows in the front Had to bring your own bags and baskets Used candles and lanterns for lights Had a post office inside Had a front porch Not as much of each item Cars used for transportation Parking lot Bright signs Clean floors Lots of the same item Shelves organized Meat department Signs hanging from the ceiling Has carts to carry items Has cash registers in the front Lights in the ceiling

Where was the best location for a General Store?

General stores were located near a waterway (river or canal), railroad, or main road. This allowed the store owner to transport goods from his store by boat, wagon, or train.

What could you find at the General Store?

Just about anything!

What could you do at the General Store?

At the General Store you could get needed items, mail a letter, visit with friends, hear the latest news, or play a game of checkers

Why would you find a broadside at the General Store?

Broadsides let people know important news and events.

How much did things cost at the General Store in the 1800’s?

Not very much You could buy lots of items for $2.00 Eggs,.16 cents for a dozen Butter,.16 cents for a pound Green apples, $2.00 for a barrel Potatoes,.18 cents for a bushel Lard,.12 cents for a pound Hams.12 cents for a pound Cheese.14 cents for a pound Codfish,.5 cents for a pound Table salt,.20 cents for a sack Brown sugar.7 cents for a pound White sugar.10 cents for a pound Coffee,.20 cents for a pound Tea,.50 cents for a pound Vinegar (cider),.25 cents for gallon Dried apples,.9 cents for a pound Dried peaches,.20 cents for a pound Cranberries,.12 cents for a quart Raisins,.20 cents for a pound Honey,.25 cents for a pound Lemons,.3 cents each

Imported items at the General Store came from what countries and continents ?

Europe China AfricaChina Europe West Indies Asia South America (Spain) Europe

How did we know what items were in the General Store and how customers paid for them?

General Stores used ledgers to keep a record of items and payments in cash, credit, or barter.