This was made in December 2009. Thanks to Sheila S. Jones, who shared the following comment, I now have a bit of history, fifteen years later. She writes: …My family was the “Smith’s” that lived in Acree from 1955 to 1960, in a neighborhood of poor rental houses near what is now 4224 Sylvester Hwy. It was called “Happy Hill”, was demolished in the 1990’s and situated between US82 and the railroad tracks. My neighbors and friends were the Boswells and Harrells. It was a wonderful place for kids to grow up.
I remember the store in your photo, known as Hancock’s Grocery in the 1950’s with “Colonial is Good Bread” painted on the screen doors. We were poor and could only look and wish. I visited the area in 2000 and was pleased to see the store in business…only now with glass doors and burglar bars.
I remember Johnny Fiveash’s Service station further down US82 in Acree. Daddy would go every night to talk to menfolk and drink Coca-Cola. Then there was the motel across US 82, named “Sylcree” because it was halfway between Sylvester and Acree.
We were members at “Acree Baptist Church” in 1962 when the new church was built across County Line Rd from the original building. During Vacation Bible school, we walked from “Happy Hill”, crossing under US82 via a large concrete culvert.
Brian, thanks for documenting our history. My family was the “Smith’s” that lived in Acree from 1955 to 1960, in a neighborhood of poor rental houses near what is now 4224 Sylvester Hwy. It was called “Happy Hill”, was demolished in the 1990’s and situated between US82 and the railroad tracks. My neighbors and friends were the Boswells and Harrells. It was a wonderful place for kids to grow up.
I remember the store in your photo, known as Hancock’s Grocery in the 1950’s with “Colonial is Good Bread” painted on the screen doors. We were poor and could only look and wish. I visited the area in 2000 and was pleased to see the store in business…only now with glass doors and burglar bars.
I remember Johnny Fiveash’s Service station further down US82 in Acree. Daddy would go every night to talk to menfolk and drink Coca-Cola. Then there was the motel across US 82, named “Sylcree” because it was halfway between Sylvester and Acree.
We were members at “Acree Baptist Church” in 1962 when the new church was built across County Line Rd from the original building. During Vacation Bible school, we walked from “Happy Hill”, crossing under US82 via a large concrete culvert.
Thank you for documenting our memories!!
Hi Brian, I really enjoy stopping in these rural country stores. I always find something interesting. Love the slower pace and the courtesy that is always there. Sad to see these disappearing or being replaced by so-called convenience stores. All cookie cutter look-a-likes. Great photo. Thanks