U G White Hardware

Elkmont, Alabama

Weather: low 42 degrees, high 65 degrees, clear skies

We made it out of the RV bright and early for the second day in a row. At least it was early for us, since we were out by 0830 hours. Looks like a sleep in day tomorrow! Or at least a lazy day.

The major furniture purchases were finished yesterday, leaving us with relatively small things to buy for the new home base. Like lamps, pictures, etc. Since the furniture buying went so well this past week, we hoped the good shopping would continue. Unfortunately, we didn't find the items we were looking for at the first two places we stopped, but the third one became a gold mine. We found the lamps we wanted, along with a wide selection of shades. We're not sure yet what height of lamps we need, so we'll wait until the furniture is delivered and set up so measurements can be taken.

The store we found the lamps in was Lowe's. While we were there, we decided to check out their washing machines and dryers. As we were about to leave that department because we thought they didn't have what we wanted, a sales lady started talking to us. When she heard what we were looking for, she immediately guided us to a Whirlpool washing machine and dryer that fit the bill perfectly. To make things even better, the pair was selling for $300 off the regular price. Now that's a deal I can handle. The two pieces will be delivered (free) and set up (free) on Tuesday. Double Yahoo!

While we were at Lowe's, we also found the blinds that Carolyn wants. Now, I wonder if we can get a deal on those.....

One of the stores we checked before going to Lowe's was an old time hardware store in downtown Athens, U G White Hardware. The store is located on the courthouse square, and has been there many years. It is one of those old style hardware stores that I remember from my childhood. Unique products, glass front display cases, wooden floors, signs from long ago, old time candy. The list goes on and on.

Here's a few pictures of the inside of the store.













Carolyn loves to go in these old stores as much as I do, and she found some blackberry jam and pepper relish to buy. She seems to feel she can't go in a store like this unless she buys something to help them stay in business. We talked to the current owner, and he said he bought the store from the original owner's family about three years ago. When he heard the family was about to close the store, he made an offer and bought a store that had so many good childhood memories for him. He understands he can't compete with the big box stores, but is making a living by offering quality products that the other stores don't sell. We hope he stays in business for a long time. This kind of store is gradually disappearing from America, and we'll miss them when they are gone.

More later, be safe.

Today's Town - Alpine, Texas: A Texas Main Street Town

Not all who wander are lost.