A few weeks ago before COVID-19 had most of us staying indoors, Sweetums and I decided to go on a short road trip while social distancing. We drove to Rugby, Tenn., a preserved Victorian village, where we could take photos of homes and buildings without interacting with others.
On our way home, we pulled into the parking lot of R.M. Brooks General Store, which has been central to the community since the 1930s. We did not plan to go inside but someone called to Sweetums from the parking lot so he took some photos inside – again, without interacting with others. We hope to go back when we can tour buildings freely.
Click here to see our photos of the village of Rugby
Here is some history from the store’s website:
- The store is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
- It was opened in the 1930s by R.M. and Nettie Brooks.
- It once served as post office for the tiny village of Rugby.
- It was restored and reopened in 2014 by the Brooks’ great-granddaughter, Tiffany Jones Terry and her husband, Gary.
- The Terrys said they “are dedicated to keeping the integrity of the aura of history and times past the store represented to the people of the community and the visitors who came to see the living museum of country life.”
Some items inside include a pot-bellied stove and rocking chairs, the 1880s-era Rugby Post Office and all kinds of memorabilia. You can purchase old-fashioned items at the store, including “rat trap” cheese, bologna, bottled soda cooled in an old-fashioned sliding soda case, MoonPies and old-fashioned candies.
Visit the store at: 830 Rugby Parkway, (junction of TN 52 and Brewstertown Rd.) Rugby, Tennessee, 423-628-2533.
KellyKazek.com 