We Bet You Didn't Know This Small Town In Missouri Was Home To The Oldest Record Store In America
By Beth Price-Williams|Published January 06, 2023
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Every city and town has that one thing – a landmark, an attraction, or a historic destination – for which it is known, and Missouri is no different. Most people, for example, will likely mention the Gateway Arch when the topic turns to St. Louis. Silver Dollar City, on the other hand, is one of the top attractions in Branson. That historic destination? Well, it’s an unassuming spot in Kirksville that also happens to be the oldest record store in America.
Although it is home to just over 17,500 residents, Kirksville oozes small-town charm and sports the motto “Missouri’s North Star.” It’s a lively town that hosts an assortment of annual festivals, boasts some of the best hunting in Missouri, and is home to two universities.
The Northeastern Missouri town offers something – from Thousand Hills State Park to its historic downtown area – for everyone. Kirksville is also home to the oldest record store in America.
Tucked along South Franklin Street, Rinehart’s Music and Video has been a town favorite for more than a century. It opened its doors in 1897 and has been a staple in the neighborhood ever since.
However, things were a bit different back then. In its early days, the iconic record shop sold and leased records for phonographs. Music lovers could also head over to Rinehart’s to rent sheet music, a piano, and a device to record music.
Today, you’ll find a little bit of everything as you explore this old-school record store. Flip through albums, cassettes, CDs, and DVDs. You’re sure to score a few treasures at this throwback shop.
If you’re planning to buy (and chances are high you’ll find quite a bit), make sure you bring cash. The shop doesn’t accept credit cards or checks, and you don’t want to miss out on a good find.
Did you know that Missouri is home to the oldest record store in America? Have you visited? Let us know in the comments! Do you want to feel like you’ve journeyed back in time? Visit this charming Missouri town that’s frozen in time.
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