Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Brownwood

Admit it. You can't resist a general store.

You can't resist peering through the window at all the interesting things, checking out the wooden Indian outside, something from another time.

You can't resist opening the pristine white screen door and peeking inside!

Welcome to Brownwood Country Store on Torch Lake. Rick and his cousins tell me it was the place they had to visit whenever they came to Torch as children -- and it didn't change when they were adults!

Remember these?

The "Dots" are just one of the dozens of candies at Brownwood. I couldn't resist buying five malted milk balls from one of the big glass jars.

Just five.They were the size of jawbreakers and so dense that waiting for the chocolate to melt down to the malt was so sweetly agonizing!

The shelves behind the counter and on the opposite walls hold an elaborate array of Brownwood treats -- honey, jams, salsas, barbecue sauces. I've had many of them, all delicious. And if you're lucky, there's even a sampling table!

Of course you have to buy the requisite summer gear. Brownwood has it all -- tees and sweats in every size!

I think our family was personally responsible for at least a dozen branded bits of clothing this year-- maybe more!

The outdoor grounds are beautiful, too. There are several buildings. This one holds the ice cream store. Another is the old schoolhouse and now holds trinkets ranging from moccasins to jewelry and all sorts of fun things for kids.

The garden is small but lovely.

In the earlier parts of summer, you'll see a variety of flowers, including lots of daisies.

Later, the hollyhocks and other splashes of color begin to bloom.

I know that in a few months, when the snow is deep, the wind blowing and when bundling under fleece seems like the most lovely thing in the world, I will look back to these pictures and remember these moments and this place.

I'll imagine one of those monster malted milk balls -- and I will smile!

25 comments:

Mae Travels said...

Only 5 malted milk balls? You must be very disciplined!

Joanne Huffman said...

You've kindled memories of going to a general store in Marblehead, MA, when I used to visit my nana - happy (and tasy; they had great candy, too) memories.

Deb said...

I just love that old store. It must be fun for Rick to go into it now as an adult. We have one similar here that never changed over the years. It's wonderful. Aw...daisies. Hugs, Deb

Marilyn Miller said...

Oh just the kind of place I would love. I think I would come out the door with more than 5 malt balls. Love seeing the summer garden too. It reminds me of gardens I saw on my adventure the past week. They do create memories for those cold winter days.

Annie Jeffries said...

I never met a General Store I didn't like.

Jenny Woolf said...

What a delightful shop! And how wonderful that it does not change. That's really special.

I don't know these candies (I'm glad you explained what the dots were!) but I do know the attraction of favourite sweets of childhood.

A lovely post.

tlcukjourney said...

It's true!
I can't resist and I would NEVER pass up a general store!
Maybe that's why I like Cracker Barrel so much!
Have a great rest of your week!
Tammy

Lisa from Lisa's Yarns said...

You exercised such disciplined by only buying 5 malted milk balls! I would have been tempted to buy lots of sweets and treats. I always love the flavored candy sticks. I remember going to a general store as a kid and getting to pick out a couple of flavors and oh that was the HARDEST decision.

anno said...

Oh, gosh. Malted milk balls are a serious weakness of mine... and all those other treats as well. What a totally irresistible store, the kind of place to visit often.

Jennifer Richardson said...

oh, I'm blaming you for the snacking that is getting ready to happen:)
I love charming old general stores
....makes like feels simple
and bountiful.
Thanks for this beautiful share,
Jennifer

Anonymous said...

What a perfect treat this morning, Jeanie. So glad I stopped by. I am now subscribed via email so that I don't miss a thing.
Have a lovely day!
xoxo's

Vett Vandiver said...

every general store is a little different in every city - love this post!

~*~Patty S said...

Definitely a classic blast from the past...you make me want to visit a couple of favs not too far from us!

What an amazing garden too with those waist high (or higher)daisies and more!
oxo

Nancy said...

So glad to have found your blog as it very lovely....As for the general store, they are wonderful places to explore and find treasures....I am amazed you could buy just 5 milk balls..I am afraid I don't have that kind of discipline....

Cheryl said...

Your right... I would have walked right into that store too! How super charming!

Introverted Art said...

the garden is AMAZING!

Janet said...

A wonderful step back in time. Those candy dots really brought back memories. They used to be one of my favorites when I was a kid. And malted milk balls...yum!

Sally Wessely said...

I would love to visit this store! We really don't have too many of these type of places left in Colorado anymore. It seems that the small towns just don't seem to be able to keep them in business anymore. So sad.

Barb said...

Bob will share the malted balls with you, but I'll meet you in the ice-cream store. How many hours is it until "R" day?

Angelsdoor * Penny said...

Hi Jeanie,
I just love this general store, and daisies!
Hope all is well with you and yours.
fondly,
Penny

shoreacres said...

When I go to Kerrville (in the hill country) it's Gibsons. Except I think Gibson's is a little more - utilitarian. No candy counter, no branded clothing.

But you can buy a chain for your saw, oil for your lamp, three feet of galvanized chain, deer corn, flour sack kitchen towels, an old-fashioned thermos, a full-length apron, pink rubber hair curlers, shower caps, canning jars...

And candy "dots"! Some things just are necessary!

Tracy said...

Oh, now that is my kind of place too! Get me in, you might not get me out... LOL! It's so refreshing that places like that still exist, isn't it? Wow...*sigh*... ((HUGS))

paris parfait said...

Nobody can resist a general store! Love it! Wish I could visit this one; brings back childhood memories of visiting a similar one with my grandparents.

Kitty said...

Hi Jeanie. As usual you have captured the essence of Brownwood, or Honey House as we called it 60+ years ago. I didn't know until this summer that it got its start selling honey. I love your story about Labor Day too. (Oh, heck, I love them all!) I so admire Rick and Mark for taking the time to really be friends to their friends who happen to be blind. They are special guys - and you are too. Tomorrow is the big day. You are in my prayers.

Vagabonde said...

This looks like a great store. I had not been in a general store like this until I came to this country. I have been in several but mostly in the mountains, one in the North Georgia Mountain and a couple in North Carolina – I can take a long time to look at everything. Actually there is one also in Memphis, downtown, it’s very old. The garden is quite pretty around your store and you pictures show it well.

Popular Posts