Randle General Store

In the 1800s, general stores served the large rural population surrounding small towns and villages. For some farmers, it was considered to be a special and occasional trip to visit their closest general store. It would give them the opportunity to obtain food and necessities they could not make or grow for themselves on their farms.

During the 19th century, what was stocked in general stores began to change. During the first part of the century, rural areas of the south were poor, so shelves of stores were almost entirely filled with necessities. The majority of purchasable items would have been locally produced, perishable goods that could be traded. As the economy recovered after the Civil War, more and more luxury items found their way onto the shelves. This was made possible by the expansion of railroads, the advent of mass production, and technological advances such as the refrigerated boxcar. It made these items cheaper and gave them increased availability.

When money was scarce in the 19th century, the shopkeeper might extend credit to a regular customer or accept payment in the form of goods, which is called bartering. Farmers would do this with their neighbors as well. For this, and many other reasons, there was a great sense of community among those living in South Georgia.