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Tarkington's Store continues today after operating for more than 80 years sitting on the bank of Hassell's Creek.
Some things don't change. There's still the fried baloney sandwiches, hamburgers, and homemade desserts. The hound dog still sleeps on the front porch and the chickens roam freely about the grounds along with the ducks and the always escaping, local goat herd. Nobody cares; it's a way of life that few, other than the locals, understand.
We sell groceries, regular gas, overall's/jeans/shirts/coveralls (will order your size), T- shirts, bulk foods and spices; sandwiches, Big T Store Specialty Fried Bologna, burgers and fries; hobo stew; other deli foods plus Hassell's Creek Big Country Breakfast.
Elizabeth Ann Cantrell Thornton and her husband Joe, affiliated with the Hassell and Tarkington families, now operate the store Wednesday through Saturday. They did make a few changes. There's now an indoor entrance to the bathroom. Some of the merchandise was removed to make way for an expanded eating area, and there's some new paint and some gentle remodeling.
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Around the Store
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Hassell's Creek still runs cold and clear, refreshing as always. People still wade in it and feel it wash away their angst. This is a stress-free zone--always has been.
People still gather here at noon Saturday for a couple of hours of genuine Bluegrass Music. Now there is also Friday night music with a home-cooked, buffet supper (as it's called here) is two meats, 3 - 4 vegetables, and desserts--all for $8.00; the music is free, but you can put your suggested $5.00 donation for the musicians in an old, gallon mayonaise jar.
You can still buy gasoline, regular only. There are two gasoline pumps, but one is stuck on $.89. Inside you'll find overalls (Liberty and Pointer brands), jeans, shirts, coveralls, tee shirts, a few essential grocery items, and food from the deli. There are a few "normal" things here that you might find unusual--like the galvanized wash tubs for sale, homemade pickles, and a bottle of Louisiana Hot Sauce on every table. |
