Young readers will discover why towns often sprang up around The General Store which was the heart of the community where goods were bought and traded, local news was reported, and people met to discuss weather, crops, and gossip. Lively photos, illustrations, and interesting text feature:
• items sold at the store such as food, clothing, housewares, and farm equipment
• the important role played by the storekeeper including postmaster, banker, and lawyer
• the many forms of payment used
• the storekeeper's system of record keeping