Brent Carson will speak to members of the Big Walnut Area Historical Society at their monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 12.
Carson, a Delaware County native and Delaware County Historical Society president, will speak about grocery stores throughout the county.
Last summer, Brent explored the county looking for stories about the many little stores. His research resulted in a photo display of early stores at the Delaware County Fair last summer.
“These stores were the center for the communities as well as a place to pick up items between trips to larger stores in the bigger towns,” said Myers Inn curator Polly Horn. “There was usually a pair playing checkers near the stove who knew who was doing what and passed it on to the other customers.”
Horn said the stores were mostly family-run businesses, with members of the family on hand to assist customers. The family’s home was often attached or next door.
“There was a time when the country roads were safe for children to ride bicycles and spend the day exploring the expanded community,” Horn said. “We worked hard to get our chores done so we could go on our little adventures. At least once every other week, as a young teen, I would ride to a friend’s house and we would take off for an adventure.
“We would ride to North Condit for another friend and stop in the store for a candy bar,” Horn continued. “On to South Condit for a pop. If we were really in for an adventure we went to Crowl’s Olive Green Store for ice cream. The day was ours as long as we were home when the 5 p.m. Nestles whistle blew.”
Big Walnut Area Historical Society programs are free and held in the Myers Inn Museum meeting room.
The Myers Inn Museum is at 45 S. Columbus St. in Sunbury.
