A Walk Through the J.R. Jones General Store
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General stores stocked a variety of goods, yet they were organized shopping environments. Within their planned spaces, customers had ample opportunity to see, feel, and even taste the goods. Stores were divided into "departments," such as groceries, tableware, household equipment, and hardware. The 1880s-era J. R. Jones General Store in Greenfield Village was one such store. Take a look around!
J.R. Jones General Store in Greenfield Village, September 2007 - 2
This store, originally located in Waterford, Michigan, was the first building Henry Ford brought to Greenfield Village. From 1882 to 1888, storekeeper J. R. Jones sold products like coffee, sugar, fabric, and shoes here.
View ArtifactJ.R. Jones General Store in Greenfield Village, September 2007 - 1
The right side of the store is stocked with men's ready-made clothing, clothing accessories, hats, fabrics, and sewing notions.
View ArtifactJ.R. Jones General Store in Greenfield Village, September 2007 - 3
Customers from the 1880s era might have gathered around the stove in cooler weather, while J. R. Jones's desk takes up the back corner.
View ArtifactJ.R. Jones General Store in Greenfield Village, September 2007 - 11
This image, showing the left side of the store from the rear, reveals a range of store stock--from agricultural supplies to household equipment to groceries.
View ArtifactJ.R. Jones General Store in Greenfield Village, September 2007 - 4
Notices like these, posted on the back right wall of the store, would have informed local community members about upcoming events, new products, and other items of interest.
View ArtifactJ.R. Jones General Store in Greenfield Village, September 2007 - 5
The grocery "department" on the left side of the store includes a selection of cheeses in the cheese "safe." The safe keeps out flies and vermin.
View ArtifactJ.R. Jones General Store in Greenfield Village, September 2007 - 6
The left side of the store features a large grocery "department" with a cigar case on the counter up front.
View ArtifactJ.R. Jones General Store in Greenfield Village, September 2007
According to a later interview with J. R. Jones, he stocked the first "department" on the left side of the store with boots and shoes.
View ArtifactJ.R. Jones General Store in Greenfield Village, September 2007 - 7
According to period photographs, a case of cigars was often featured at the front of general stores, as recreated here.
View ArtifactJ.R. Jones General Store in Greenfield Village, September 2007 - 8
A case of showy "fancy goods" for gift-giving, like the one pictured here, was often featured at the front of general stores.
View ArtifactJ.R. Jones General Store in Greenfield Village, September 2007 - 9
A large selection of tableware includes a range of styles, types, and costs for the wants and needs of different customers.
View ArtifactJ.R. Jones General Store in Greenfield Village, September 2007 - 10
Baseballs are displayed in the front window, as period newspapers reported that a baseball team called the Lah-de-dahs played in Waterford at this time.
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