The Lost River General Store

THE HISTORY

The Lost River General Store building is believed to have been built in 1898; however historical documents indicate the store existed 35 years earlier when the Lost River Valley was still a part of neighboring Virginia.

James W. Miller, a local undertaker was the first chief clerk and sold caskets along with leather, kerosene, coffee, and whiskey. Later as the business grew, customers could also purchase lamps, scissors, hardware items, cloth, household goods and food items.

Ledgers show that in 1858 Isaac Wilson paid his bill of $16.85 with a gallon of whiskey, four gallons of brandy, 37 yards of cotton goods, and one silver dollar. Another customer Isaac Miller, importer of English shorthorn cattle, paid an outstanding account by chopping wood, butchering a hog, and filling the ice house. Half dozen cigars cost 15 cents and a pound of crackers could be purchased for 7 cents in 1874.

With Harper Mill and a blacksmith nearby, it was convenient for people to shop, catch up on all the local tittle-tattle, and pick up their mail while their horses were being shod or grain was being milled.

As automobiles appeared in 1910 to 1915, the first gasoline pump in the valley was installed in front of the store.

Directly behind the store is a small 1930’s outhouse possibly built by a Works Progress Administration (WPA) crew working in the Lost River Valley.

The Lost River General Store also served the rural community as the Lost River Post Office for almost fifty years.

With it’s original plaster walls, stairs, and bead board ceiling, the “country modern” Lost River General Store continues the generational tradition of a place to gather in the Lost River Valley where residents, old-timers, and visitors conduct business, gossip, celebrate local heritage, laugh and enjoy each other’s company.

Create your own history at The Lost River General Store!