|Courtesy of Library of Congress| As I look at this Walker Evans
photo above, taken in the 1930s, I wonder if this building is
still standing? To me it is a cultural icon representing the
early part of the 1900s -- reflecting early vehicles,
advertisements, architecture, community, general stores, postal
conveniences, all wrapped up in a place . A place where everyone
knew who you were which kept most people honest. General stores
at one time, in this country, had meaning. It was a way of life
in small communities to have such stores down the road usually
within walking distance. Settlements in agricultural areas
clustered near such stores. They acted as newspapers for the
settlements -- casting out news gleaned from one source then
dispersing it to others as they arrived at the store. Examples
of such news items might be; who just had a baby, the wind storm
that blew down part of Jacob's barn, auction of Mable's estate,
and who needs a little help. Below are a few photos of vacant
general stores that exist t