Diane Culpepper writes, via our Facebook page: The general store pictured above is Balchin Store on Lincolnton Highway in Elbert County. Thriving store until the early 70’s.
Balchin Store, Elbert County
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That was my grandfather’s store. I spent a lot of time watching farmers and families come and go out of that mercantile.
Went to this store often as a child with my grandfather, Henry Alton Fleming. He told me that his grandfather, Joseph Henry Fleming, built the country store. There were two old time gas pumps outside in front that would show you could the gas in the glass top, cheese wheels inside, along with the old time Coca-Cola horizontal water bath cooler. I always took one of the 6-ounce bottles. Feeds, salt blocks, and other farming items were sold along with canned goods.
The general store pictures above is Balchin Store on Lincolnton Hwy in Elbert County. Thriving store until the early 70’s. Daughter Patti Balchin lives across street and can give you info. I have a general store/ post office in the Middleton Community just off Calhoun Falls Hwy. built in early 1900’s. I am in the process of restoring it now.