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Gasoline has risen from 21 cents to over a dollar and the gas company
has changed its name, but otherwise things are pretty much the same at
Sharp's Country Store. Located in Slatyfork on highway 2l9, this
landmark general store has been in operation for over 100 years. Behind
the gas pumps is a museum of the region, of the store itself, and of a
family that has contributed to the rich heritage of Pocahontas County.
Founded by Luther David (L.D.) Sharp, the only son of Silas and Sirah Sharp, the store opened in his parent's home in 1884. At the early age of 12, L.D. began buying and selling fur, livestock and merchandise, and for many years his merchandise was hauled from Miliboro, Virginia, and Beverly by covered wagons. Mr. Sharp was the first postmaster of Slatyfork and gave it its name when the office opened. He was also one of the first groups of apiary inspectors in West Virginia, and raised bees to produce the famous Pocahontas County white lynn honey. The area surrounding L. D's store saw fantastic changes in the years following his birth in 1872. The railroad, paved roads and automobiles, and the telephone, electric power, radio and television all came to Slatyfork during the lifetime of this country storekeeper. When the business outgrew his family's house, L. D. built his first store building. It was one room, made from lumber cut by loggers working the nearby mountains. The store was located on the old country road where it crossed Slatyfork Creek, the road that had been used by soldiers of the north and the south during the Civil War. As the one room became too small, a larger two-story building was constructed around and above it so business could continue uninterrupted. Sharp's Store served an area of 15 miles, from Linwood to Elk Mountain. |
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This was a large territory, considering travel conditions at
that time.
Goods arrived by horse and wagon over rutted dirt roads that were often muddy and treacherous. Men got together for the 60 mile journey to the train depot in Miliboro, Virginia, or Beverly in Randolph County. They took food for several days, and heavy sheets to sleep on the ground or to cover their wagons in case of rain. Before electricity was available, Sharps Store was lit with oil lanterns. The store was moved to its present site when US. 219 was built around 1927, and its new location had electric lights powered by a private 32 volt generator. This Delco system ran on gasoline in its own building out back. Kerosene powered the “Icy Ball” soft drinks cooler. In front of the store were four gravity-fed-gas pumps. Gas was pumped up into large glass tanks by hand, measured, then drained into the car. When the West Penn Power Company brought in 110-volt electricity in the late 1930's, one of the hand pumps was left in case the power went out. L.D. was not one to take chances on losing business to a thunderstorm. Like other country stores, Sharp's operated by giving long-term credit to its customers. Farmers could pay only once or twice a year. In spring they would shear their sheep, and in the fall they would sell crops or livestock for cash to pay their bills. Throughout the year the store would provide salt, sugar, coffee, grain, flour, cloth, clothing, shoes, lamp oil, nails, tools and supplies, such as horseshoes and fence wire. Sharp's Store offered the only access to many essentials that made living better for the people in this remote rural community. |
The store also provided a social meeting place and a local showcase for the
introduction of new styles and fashions.
People naturally drifted into the store to listen to the radio when that electronic marvel made its appearance. "L.D." was sure to keep some on display for sale. Some folks found the new gadget hard to believe. Once some men came in and heard a new battery-operated shortwave radio. They left angry, thinking the Sharps had tried to trick them into believing that the sound just came through the air. Sharp's Country Store is now run by business storekeeper Linda Sharp Eduardo Carroll. Linda is L.D's granddaughter and the daughter of Dave Sharp, the Family historian, who has plenty of stories to tell. The store is still a gathering place for the locals who find the squeaky wooden floors and the warm wood stove an ideal setting for remembering the old days. The Sharp's are keenly aware of the heritage that surrounds them and they enjoy sharing their knowledge of local history and the family business. The store has come to the attention of historians and photographers and was the subject of a story published in 1988 in Goldenseal magazine, excerpts from which were used here. Country store items are still available including maple syrup, nails, flour, oil lamps, gasoline, etc. Sporting goods in stock include fishing gear, guns, pistols and ammunition. So, if you haven't been in the Sharps Country Store, make it a point to visit soon and eat a double dip of your favorite ice cream! Sharps Country Store is located 18 miles north of Marlinton on Rt. 219. |
A Family Adventure
Call (304) 572-3547 e-mail us: Visit@SharpsCountry.com |
or write to:
Sharp's Country Store
Slatyfork, WV 26291