H.C. Smith Store

Built in 1915 on the southeast corner of 6th Ave. South and Fifth St. South in St. Petersburg, this store served this growing area, including residents of Roser Park. Henry C. Smith established the grocery store in 1918. Shoppers came to this small store because it had everything – groceries, clothing and other necessities.

It was a place to socialize and catch up on the latest news – and gossip – in the neighborhood! There were several businesses that were housed in the large and smaller side section of this building over time - a butcher shop, bakery and at one time living quarters for those who ran the grocery store. Presently, the structure showcases the general store, a small barbershop and post office as well as an automobile mechanic’s garage behind the store.

This building had many different owners and names and for the most part was very successful until the 1950s. At that point, when small stores like this struggled to compete with downtown stores and air-conditioned shopping centers, this building became vacant with the neighborhood general store becoming a past memory.