Dianne Fowler Foskey Dees writes: This is a photo of the old H.J. Fowler Grocery, which was operated by my parents H.J. Fowler and his wife Lavonne Miller Fowler from about 1962 until 1972 when they build the previous, new store across the street now know as Cedar Crossing Grocery. The original, new store built by H.J. himself was part “Mini Super Wal-Mart” meaning they served fresh cut meat of all kinds, all types groceries, gas, oil, sewing products, and just about anything you needed in an emergency. There was also a small garage built on one end. This store burned after being sold to The Beasleys. The fire started from a grease fire at the then “Smith’s Fried Chicken” that was built from the old garage. The old H.J. Fowler store was left abandoned for the most part after the new store was built, but there was some temporary mechanic work, and sales along the line of Salvation Army work for some vendors. The H.J. Fowler store was for many years a gathering place for the older men in the community. They would sit on the porch and talk about life matters (or so they said), I always just thought they talked about others. It was a quieter time, an easy time, a time when people cared about others, and everybody was family whether it was by blood or choice. Just thought I’d remember a little bit.

I stop to photograph this store every time I pass through Cedar Crossing. Somehow, it keeps hanging on.