Once Upon A Time In America

The Country Store

Far out beyond the city's lights, away from din and roar

The cricket chirps of summer nights beneath the country store;

The dry goods boxes ricked about afford a welcome seat

For weary tillers of the ground, who here on evenings meet.

A swinging sign of ancient make, and one above the door,

Proclaim that William Henry Blake is the owner of the store;

Here everything from jam to tweed, from silks to ginghams bright,

Is spread before the folk who need from early morn till night.

Tea, sugar, coffee (browned or green) 

molasses, grindstones, tar,

Suspenders, peanuts, navy beans, and homemade vinegar,

Fine combs, wash ringers, rakes, false hair,

 paints, rice, and looking glasses,

Side saddles, hominy, crockery ware,

 and seeds for garden grasses.

Lawn mowers, candies, books to read, 

corn planter, household goods,

Tobacco, salt, and clover seed,

 horsewhips and knitted hoods,

Canned goods, show blacking, lime and nails,

straw hats and carpet slippers,

Prunes, buttons, codfish, bridal veils,

cranberries, clocks, and clippers.

Umbrellas, candles, scythes and hats,

caps, boots and shoes and bacon,

Thread, nutmegs, pins and Rough on Rats,

for cash or produce taken;

Birdseed, face powder, matches, files, ink,

onions and many more,

Are found in heaps and stacks and piles

within the country store.

General Store 1934

A painting by Janet Kruskamp

"The Country Store"

Author Unknown