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Posted in Illinois November 08, 2016 by Catherine Armstrong

The Oldest General Store In Illinois Has A Fascinating History

While some places tear down old buildings and replace them with new, Illinois tends to cherish its architectural history and honor the past. This is certainly evident with its oldest general store. While the ownership has changed over the years, this building has housed a general store for 120 years.

The Manley Building was constructed in 1895. The first general store opened here in 1896.

The first store was called 'Enterprise' and it operated for 15 years.

In 911, the store was purchased by a new owner and operated as 'Cash Supply Store.'

The current owners, Terry and Susan Thomas, purchased the store in 1979 and named it 'Mansfield General Store.'

Today, the store is a unique blend of the historic and new.

While many of the fixtures are new or updated, their style is in keeping with the building's history.

The candy counter is a long-standing store tradition.

The store has some displays of memorabilia from years gone by.

Mansfield General Store sells some old-fashioned merchandise such as candy...

...wind up toys...

...and Coca Cola merchandise.

Patrons find fresh-baked goods available every morning.

The store also offers many flavors of soft-serve ice cream, greeting cards, DVD rentals, and gifts.

Have you ever visited Mansfield General Store?

Feeling nostalgic now? Take a look at this adorable little town that offers a historic trolley ride!

Catherine Armstrong

Writer, editor and researcher with a passion for exploring new places. Catherine loves local bookstores, independent films, and spending time with her family, including Gus the golden retriever, who is a very good boy.