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Since 1831, Washburn’s General Store...

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Edward’s daughter Ann, a retired Sunshine school teacher (on phone), now helps at the store. Here she is with Assistant Manager, Bessie Smith, a treasured employee for 24 years.

Since 1831, Washburn’s General Store... NC’s Oldest Continually Run Family Owned & Operated Retail Business

The year was 1831 and Benjamin Washburn started a mercantile store, inn and tavern in Bostic, North Carolina serving stagecoaches between Lincoln and Rutherford counties. It has been owned and operated through brothers, sons and now by Benjamin’s great-great nephew, Edward Nollie Washburn III. Edward grew up in the store and is now 82 years old. He and his wife Catherine are still active in and about the store. 

His children, Ann, Amy and Edward IV, now run it. Their nine children and five great grandchildren are being groomed for future involvement.  A dedicated lady who has been with them for 24 years, Assistant Manager, Bessie Smith, is their pride and joy. Edward Washburn III says “she is dedicated and a terrific asset to us. We’re so thankful Bessie is here.” The entire Washburn Store is a constant continuation of what was, what is and what great memories you can still have! 

To visit the store is a wonderful experience. It will make you want to come back again and again. You hear constant comments like: “Look at this... remember growing up with these?” Walking through the store is like a discovery tour of all the wonderful things that memory lane can provide. The ol’ timey toys, like Lincoln Logs, Kaleidoscopes, Little Girls Tea Sets, Rocking Horses, Red Flyer Wagons, just to mention a few of the ohs and awes! Washtubs, lanterns, apple peelers, and cherry pitters, butter churns, Grandpa’s pine tar soap, Pointer Brand overalls, wood stoves and even Octagon soap, you’ll find it all at the Washburn Store. The list goes on and on. You can even enjoy a Coke in a glass bottle and, add some peanuts if you like. The Washburn Store is unique and one of a kind. It’s a salute and wonderful trip back to yesteryear. 

The Washburn House built in 1913 across the street from the store is magnificent. Oh, yes because coffins were sold in general stores way back when, the Washburn Funeral Home began and existed for almost 100 years. 

It is very obvious, that the Washburn’s have served their community very well. In 2002 the National Department of the Interior inducted the General Store, the family estate, their classic wooden barn built in 1915 and ten other buildings as a historic district. 

When you visit the store, if you are very lucky, you might be able to spend some time with Edward N. Washburn, III and let him tell you some wonderful stories. He has many a good tale to tell. 

The store is open 9 am to 4:30 pm Monday thru Saturday (except closed on Wednesday). We’ll meet you there - 2426 Bostic Sunshine Highway, Bostic, North Carolina.


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