Look at this little slice of Americana that House Crazy Sarah stumbled upon. The Cottagewood General Store in Deephaven, Minnesota has been around since 1895! That’s right folks, this is one of the oldest general stores in the country that is still operational.
Although it is now only open in the summer months, it’s loaded with old-timey charm and has been the perfect spot for July 4th celebrations for generations.
The Cottagewood Store was opened in 1895 by Ralph M. Chapman to serve as a grocer to the cottage and hotel guests summering along the shores of Lake Minnetonka.
– from: http://www.cottagewoodusa.com
Below, the store pictured in the 1940’s, starting to get rundown…
By the 1980’s it was much in need of some TLC with icky yellow peeling paint and tattered green roof…
In 1995 a group of concerned neighbors bought the Cottagewood General Store insuring that its quaintness and charm will be enjoyed for generations to come. Today, Cottagewood General Store staff and volunteers help keep the store vibrant by offering an assortment of tasty treats and family-friendly neighborhood events while preserving the historical significance of this uniquely American gem.
– from: http://www.cottagewoodusa.com
Thank Goddess the townsfolk saw the value in this old building, and pitched in to bring her back to pristine condition!
image from: http://www.facebook.com/pg/Cottagewood-Store
What a treasure! Have a look at the gardens and grounds…
House Crazy Sarah knows you are curious to see the inside of this nifty place, so let’s have a gander:
Get out of the way peoples! We want to see the decor!
They even sell prints of the sweet general store:
And House Crazy Sarah was tickled to see that someone built a replica of the Cottagewood General Store for a Little Free Library!
Many years and summers of fun have come and gone at this old place.
Doesn’t it make you feel all apple pie and Yankee Doodle Dandy??
House Crazy Sarah does – and she’s Canadian!Â
Sources:
Cottagewood Store Facebook Page
Cottagewood General Store home page
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Great post:)
Thanks Nick!