A Daunting Task: Inventory, Repair, and a New Look for the Smith Grocery Museum

One of my very favorite places to hang out and reminisce on a regular basis is our almost 100 year old grocery museum. . .It's hard to believe that the building is that old. . .Built in 1919 by my grandfather Earl Magers, the store was located on Second Street in Dell. Over the years, it was rented by several store owners. Granddaddy owned it until ca. 1956, when he deeded it over to my Mom, my brother, and myself. I have such fond memories of the C A Smith Grocery Store from my growing up years that when we moved the building to Duncan Farmstead, no other name for it was right. I was able to use an old photograph to get the sign as much like the original as possible. 

While the exterior of the building resembles C. A.'s store, the interior does not. We were so blessed to have had so many donations from local people that we wanted to incorporate them into a typical company store. Thanks to Marguerite Brownlee and Marcia Partin, we have wonderful store fixtures and glass displays from the Brownlee Store and one of the early Dell Post Offices down to the postal directory. I cannot thank them enough for allowing us to save this part of Dell history. One of the displays dates back to 1903 and was first used in an early Dell establishment.

To fill those displays, in the beginning, I relied on family items and my collections. . .Now, almost ten years later, we have had numerous donations from friends in the Dell area, as well as others who live further away but knew of our project. We are grateful for each and every donation and have assured the donors that these items will continue on here at the historic district in the future. 

Which brings me to the daunting task at hand. It's time to put things in order and inventory each and every item. While listing our inventory, we are also changing the items within the store to better display all the generous donations and less of the family possessions. . .and to reflect the early 20th century time period. 

When we begin to 'restock' the shelves, our plans are to restore the donated items to their original appearance, as much as possible.. Repair, paint, and polish is in the work ahead of us. But first comes the weeding out of personal collections and family items for an estate sale and the inventory of all that will stay with the Historic District. . .Yes, a daunting task. . .but a definite step forward in protecting our local heritage.

We have a LOT of work ahead of us. . .

and we have several changes to make. . .

but I'm excited about the project, 

 knowing it will all come together. . .one day. . .

The Apple of My Eye--BIG RED

What's a Big Red? . .He's my pride and joy. . .an old friend. . .turned 31 years old this year. . .considered an antique but still full of zoom and spirit. . .Has traveled the country and every nook and cranny in Arkansas. . .Always ready for a junkin' spree. . .Always ready for a good time but loves to work, too. . .

Meet Big Red. . .A 1983 Chevrolet Silverado. . .Isn't he a beauty? . .John was so sweet to us one day recently. . .gave Big Red a bath. . .He'd been in the barn all winter and part of the summer. . .Instead of red, he was more of a dusty, grayish burgundy. . .Birds had nested above him. . .Owls had taught their babies to fly around him. . .Winter winds blew dirt and leaves and snow and ice all over him. . .He was more than ready to get clean. . .and boy, did he shine. . .You can almost see his 'chest' puffed up with pride, can't you?

There are many reasons I love this truck, besides the obvious beauty of him. . .He was my Daddy's--bought new in '83. . .but he wasn't red then. . .He was a beautiful metallic silver with burgundy details. . .and he had a matching camper shell on the back. . .Daddy loved this truck. . .Mom hated it. . .So much so that she made Daddy park Big Red (I guess he'd be Big Silver at that time?) in the back lot of their home, hoping no one would see it. . .Didn't bother Daddy. . .He and that truck were a team. . .They hauled wood. . .pulled trailers. . .carried antiques for a certain daughter. . .even moved a cypress pump house 195 miles. . .Together they traveled to the Ozarks quite often. . .exploring every little back road they could find. . .They took photographs all along the way. . .Daddy always said Big Red had a knack for finding great photographic possibilities. . .When Big Red began to show some rust on the hood, no problem. . .Daddy bought several cans of 97 cent Walmart spray paint and fixed it. . .When the latch on the glove box broke, Daddy rigged up a latch to hold it shut from the outside. . .As the white-wall tires wore out, Daddy replaced them one by one with black. . .looking a little strange. . .but neither Big Red nor Daddy cared. . .They were on an adventure. . .Yep, adventure was their thing. . .And they had many. . .

Then the day came when this Farmer decided that the Farmer's Daughter (me) needed Big Red for her own adventure. . .A new business brought me the need for a truck. . .I designed and made little girl clothes and the doll clothes to match. . .Deliveries to boutiques, craft shows, and wholesale markets called for a truck or van. . .I'd been looking for a good used truck with a camper shell where I lived when one day Daddy showed up with his pride and joy. . .I was speechless when he handed me the keys, saying he didn't know the history behind the vehicles I was looking at. . .but. . .he knew Big Red would get me where I wanted to go and back. . .He was right. . .Big Red had to learn new things to brake for. . .No more photographic opportunities or wood to haul. . .Nope. . .It was antiques and craft shows. . .yard sales and estate sales. . .Big Red learned to enjoy them as much as I did. . .never failing to start when I was ready to go. . .It was during this time that his name stuck. . .I got him a new but cheap paint job--in 'Candy Apple Red'. . .Honest. . .That was the name of the paint they used. . . .Oh, and I bought him not one, but two sets of 'fuzzy dice'. . .

Big Red and I carried on a love affair for almost nine years. . .Then the day came when I had to make a hard decision. . .I was moving to Virginia to work and I couldn't take Big Red with me. . .My plan was to find a place to store him but something better came along. . .My cousin Magers wanted to buy Big Red and restore him. . .I decided Big Red would be much happier staying in the family. . .So, I sold him to Magers with the stipulation that if he ever sold him, I got first chance. . .And, so I said 'Good-bye to my Baby' and scooted off to Virginia for yet another adventure. . .This time alone.

In the meantime, Magers set to work. . .and turned Big Red into the beauty he is today. . .

How did I get him back? . .How did Big Red come full circle? . .Another life change. . .a sudden and unexpected one this time. . .I returned home to care for Daddy after Mom passed away. . .While here, John fell in love with the farmstead and I saw with him the actual possibility of my life-long dream for the farm just might come true. . .We began work on it in 2005. . .About the same time, my sweetie of a cousin emailed and asked if I'd like to have Big Red back. . .because. . .'every farm needs an old truck'. . .Bless his heart. . .He was my hero that day. . .The 'fuzzy dice' came out of storage. . .and Big Red returned Home. . .

And. . .every time I climb into the driver's seat, I feel hugged. . .by three of my favorite men. .

Daddy. . .Magers. . .and Big Red himself.

 

LIFE IS GOOD. . .