This landmark has been a favorite of photographers for at least a decade. I’ve never learned much about its background. Most of the old signage, which was already falling when I first photographed this place in 2009, is now gone.
Memories of Grovania and Ellis Grocery
Mike Paulk: I lived in Grovania in the early 50’s, bought candy at the grocery. I remember there was no refrigeration and all the meat lay on large tables covered with salt. I live next door to some people who’s name was Horton I think. They had a son named David.
Laura Kemp: I remember my granddaddy taking me to this store and buying me candy. He and my grandmama lived next door. I loved the old stores like this. They were so cool inside in the summer. The hoop cheese and pickles on the counter. The screen doors with the Colonial Bread sign. Always people around “shooting the breeze”.
Mike, I lived next door to the children Donna and David Horton in 1956. Perhaps we moved in after you moved out?? Our house had a water well and Mr Moses lived in the cabin way behind the house.
My mother was born in Grovania in 1920. She use to tell me about the train rides she would take as a child, sometimes alone. Her maiden name was Lester and she also was related to the Malloy’s. She had many fond memories as a child. Her grandfather’s name was Ellis Lester which is coincidentally the same name as the general store. It looks like a beautiful small town, even the old buildings are beautiful to me.