Imagine life in the early 1900s. This is before Portillo's hot dogs, before Twinkies were invented, maybe even before you were born. You'd get all dolled up and take yourself down to the church, post office, or general store to park your horse and buggy while greeting everyone you meet on the street.
Step back in time to an era when things were just a little simpler when you visit this historic old general store. Check it out:
1904 General Store was brought to Alton from the World's Fair in St. Louis.
When someone asks me where to go if they are looking to spend a few hours somewhere full of character and charm, I always suggest Andersonville. Between the eclectic clothing shops and top-notch brunch spots, Andersonville has the food, the shopping and the cultural hubs to keep you entertained and well-fed for days on end. However much time you have to wander through this neighborhood, make sure to check out the boutique shopping spots and historic buildings along Clark Street.
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Andersonville has historical ties to the Swedish community.
Once inside, you’ll be surrounded by unique works of art from 110 local vendors. This is my favorite spot to frequent in this neighborhood, as it gives you a sense of the diverse styles of the creative minds at work in this area.
No visit to Andersonville is complete without wandering through Andersonville Antiques.
I can never pass up the chance to peruse an antique shop, but this one of my favorites in Illinois. The curated selection of antiques will transport you back in time. All the knick-knacks reflect the stories of the people who owned the objects before. The Brown Elephant and Mercantile M just down the street are two other great spots for thrifting in this area.
For a quick Fika break, visiting the Lost Larson is a must.
The café fare here is always evolving, but if you stop in and see them in the display, you must try the cinnamon rolls. You never know what is going to be on offer, so an impromptu visit here is always worthwhile.
If you are looking for something a little different than the Nordic offerings, stop by JB’s Deli for a quick bite to eat.
This building is one of the oldest buildings in the area, and a colorful spot to reconnect with nature even in such close proximity to the city.
One of my favorite activities when visiting Andersonville is to wander off onto one of the side streets, particularly Berwyn and Glenwood Avenues. There you can really soak up the eclectic houses that people in this neighborhood call home. The greystones and charming walk-ups in this area are a joy to walk around. To get the full experience of this area, you must make time to visit the one-of-a-kind store, Wooly Mammoth. If you are intrigued by the history of Andersonville, check out this book to learn more about Chicago’s distinct neighborhoods. If you’ve been to Andersonville before, let us know your favorite spot to visit!
Historically, general stores have been a vital part of small-town and rural life, providing provisions and other goods to residents of the area. Today, these historic stores provide a sense of nostalgia and give a peek into what life was like in smaller communities so long ago. Illinois has numerous general stores around the state but for now, we will take a step back in time at the old Mansfield Country Store (also known as the Mansfield General Store), which has been around for well over a century.
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The Mansfield General Store occupies what was known as the Manley Building which was constructed in 1895. By 1896, it opened as a general store known as The Enterprise which sold a variety of apparel and gourmet grocery items.
Fifteen years later, in 1911, the store changed ownership and was renamed Cash Supply Store. Refrigerated items and self-serve beverages were added during this owner's tenure. After his death, the store changed hands a third time and was renamed McKee's Cash Supply.
By 1979, the fourth owners of the store took over and renamed it again, this time to Mansfield General Store, which it remains today. Over the years, owners Terry and Susan Thomas added a snack shop known as Shivers and Jitters. Today, it still has that historic feel while incorporating a little bit of modernity.
Inside Mansfield General Store, you'll find a wide variety of items like gifts, old-fashioned candy, collectibles, greeting cards, resale items, and so much more!
Just pull up a stool at the old-fashioned counter at the general store's cafe where you can order a sandwich, a hot dog (perhaps a Chicago dog), some chili, or a quesadilla, among several other items. Just save some room for ice cream afterward!
Have you visited this old-fashioned general store in Illinois? Let us know all about your visit in the comments! For more information on the Mansfield Country Store, visit the official store's Facebook page. Planning to visit and need a place to stay? Check out all the luxury amazingness from our friends at Wander.
Find this old general store at 107 N Jefferson St, Mansfield, IL 61854, USA.
