This old grocery store was once known as Lovejoy’s. It’s been closed for many years. Many photographers have stopped and shot the doorway and its whimsical “Please Come Again” sign.
Lovejoy’s Grocery, Sparta
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Tag Archives: Georgia Grocery Stores
R. V. Hopper’s Grocery, Munnerlyn
Abandoned General Store, Akins
On 24 August 2022, Edwin Akins writes: “Today is another sad day in the Akins Community, as the old country store located at the corner of Arcola Road and Mud Road is to be demolished. The store has been vacant for a number of years and has deteriorated to the point of no return. The current owner, Dennis Akins, G Grandson of John B. Akins, is in the process of clearing the lot so that someone can come in and demolish the building.”
“This store was constructed for my Aunt Wilma, (Aug 06, 1921-Mar 02, 1953), the youngest child of John B. Akins. She and husband, Rabun Strickland, operated the store until her death, then it was purchased and operated by her brother, Elijah and Wife, Mattie Lizzie (Futch) Akins. My Aunt Mattie then operated the store for years until her health did not permit. I have many fond memories of sitting in the swing under the front porch listening to the older folks talk. A favorite place to be when picking tobacco and needing an R C Cola and a Moon Pie for the morning break.“
Mayfield’s Grocery, Box Ankle
Box Ankle was never much more than a crossroads community and the only remnant of that time, the old Mayfield’s Grocery store, is highly endangered. The grocery was a combination store and residence and has been listed for sale for several years. As to the origin of the name of the community, one source (possibly apocryphal) notes that years ago a cockfight was taking place nearby and two men at the event engaged in a fight themselves. One of the men apparently got pushed or fell over a wooden box and broke his ankle.
I understand (as of 2022) that this structure no longer exists.
Hawe’s Grocery, 1893, Perkins
I’m unsure if this was always known as Hawe’s Grocery; it was likely a general store when built in 1893.
Todd’s Grocery, 1940s, Gum Branch
The Gum Branch community dates to at least 1833, when records show that members of Beard’s Creek Primitive Baptist Church organized Gum Branch Primitive Baptist Church in western Liberty County.
Kyle Corrigan writes: According to my grandma, the store was opened by Charles and Vera Todd, my great-grandparents, sometime in the 1940s. My grandma has memories of working in the store as a teenager in the 1960s, and they actually lived in the house behind the store. In the 50s the store also had gas pumps outside the building, which are currently in my grandma’s possession. The store closed in the late 1980s after Charles passed away and Shuman’s Gas Station (now called E-Z Quick Stop) opened across the street.
My great-grandparents originally lived in Willie, Georgia, but left during World War 2 because of the creation of Fort Stewart on that land. To this day many Todds still live in Gum Branch. In fact, my grandpa actually served as the first mayor after the city was incorporated in 1979. According to my grandpa, they incorporated in order to stop nearby Hinesville from expanding their area, as they feared there would be an increase in tax rates. Also, almost everyone who lives here calls it Gum Branch, but legally it is Gumbranch, apparently the result of a clerical error.
Perryman Store, Hartsfield
Thanks to Haley Perryman for the identification. She notes that it was originally a doctor’s office.
B & E Grocery, Bay
Supermarket, Doerun
West Broad Avenue, Doerun
West Broad Avenue is the main commercial area of Doerun.
Typical early 20th-century storefronts, including banks, general and grocery stores, and hardware stores, survive in varying states of repair. Locals are optimistic that some of the unoccupied examples will be saved and repurposed.
