FARM AND GARDEN FOLKWAYS

FOR SALE -- CURED COUNTRY HAMS HANGING FROM THE STORE'S RAFTERS

Country stores were once found in all rural towns and villages across Kentucky. They were part of the community that gave it a sense of place. Here one could buy supplies of all sorts, usually pick up their mail, and also catch up on the latest news in the community. Today at the Montgomery Farm and Garden store one can still find many of the old country store folkways -- like hanging cured hams from rafters as they were sold years ago. Although the store is not an old country store it blends new ways with old ways that are authentic. Nothing contrived here.

OLD KITCHEN STOVE HAS A NEW USE -- DISPLAY OF JAMS AND HONEY -- PLUS

Its decor is eclectic with assorted shelving, an old large white enamel stove for displays, chicken wire, live baby chicks in the spring, and much in the, "can't find any other place," category.

THE OLD AND THE NEW... SEED DISPLAYS

An old green display case filled with very old store tins sits next to a newer seed rack -- combines the new way with the old way of selling seeds.

OLD STORE SEED TINS STILL IN USE

These tins are filled by Montgomery's with the same types of seeds each season. In today's world new seeds arrive in large heavy paper bags. From these bags of loose seeds they fill the tins. They measure out portions to their buying customers.

MORE OLD SEED TINS SITTING ON THE OLD DISPLAY FIXTURE

A close up of some of the old labels still on the tins. I did an internet search of the Puritan Brand seeds which were on several of the old labels and came up blank. Perhaps it was one of those small seed companies that are lost to the past.

AN OLD COUNTRY FOLKWAY -- MEN GATHERING TO SHARE THE COMMUNITY NEWS.

Gathered around a large black stove were men who all knew each other. The day I was there taking the photos for these posts, I found these men in good spirits. It seemed the topic of discussion was the local election and they were convincing me to vote for Jerry Combs for Madison County Sheriff. Two of the men above were his campaign managers.

HUNGRY?

Bennie Gay, part of the men that gather at Montgomery's, is just finishing up frying bologna and eggs for the hungry men. It's that kind of place where one can feel at home.

OLD ROCKING CHAIRS PROVIDED

By blending new folkways with old folkways, the store provides a welcome mat of warmth to its customers. Just like the old country stores used to do.