1865 Briggs Country Store Reborn

While Max was wandering around North Raleigh he happened upon Briggs Hardware Store.

This store is located at:

Briggs Hardware Store (since 1865)
2533 Atlantic Ave (corner or Atlantic Ave. and Six Forks Rd.)
Raleigh, NC
(919) 832-2025

On the door of the store Max noticed that they were announcing the Grand Opening of the new 1865 Briggs Country Store. Max was as curious as a cat.

Max had always enjoyed visiting this store as it has such an eclectic hardware selection.

Max went in the store. There right in front of him was a red Flyer tricycle just like his first. What a neat gift for a grandchild. They also had the red Flyer wagon.

Max enquired of one of the gentlemen at the front of the store, or was it the back. The store has two doors, so Max is, as always, a little confused.

The gentleman pointed out that this Country Store project was under the guidance of the store's owner. He pointed to where she was located and suggested that I ask her what she was planning.

Max immediately went to the back and asked if the first person he saw was "Evelyn"; of course she wasn't, but she pointed her out.

Evelyn invited Max to come in and talk. It turns out that in 1865, five generations earlier in the Briggs family, the T.H. Briggs store opened as a general store. She said that she has always been fascinated by wealth of items that have been sitting around the store from that period.

She has set up space in the front (or is it back) of the store to give the store some of the feel of the old general store. The store wasn't completely ready as of the date of Max's visit. Yet even in a developing state, it was clear this is going to be an important new feature of the store.

Whether it is candy or old tools this is going to be a most interesting store.

Evelyn Briggs Murray (hopefully I spelled it right) has made a deal with Angus Barn to sell their cheese, crackers, Barbeque and pies in the store.

Though not all the products in the store are from North Carolina, Evelyn has made arrangements for numerous products from parts of the state.

Local North Carolina products include McNultney Chutney from Wake County, ham from a gentleman in Warsaw; jams and jellies from a lovely woman in Cashiers, Aunt Rubie's Peanuts from Enfield, Old Salem Moravian Cookies from Winston-Salem, and Christian Art from Becky (who works in the store), just to name a few.

Some things, like a large selection of walking sticks, will be from beyond the borders.

Other country store items include Gramma's Lost Soap, real cast iron pans, and old fashion oil lamps. In addition there is a wide selection of items with children in mind, like the Red Flyer tricycle.

Evelyn and Becky are working hard to make sure that the store is up and running for a Grand Opening on October 30th.

Max was especially impressed by the artwork Becky produced. Her drawings of flowers, watering cans, and birds have a comfortable feel. Max was told that you can see them at the Angus Barn.

For the best price on these beautiful art items, visit the 1865 Briggs Country Store. You don't even have to wait for the Grand Opening.

Max writes on items of interest to the people of North Raleigh including greenways, shopping, holidays, places to eat and things for families to do.

Link one is to The City Museum in the original Briggs Building