The Oakboro Regional Museum now has its new exhibit Country Stores Galore on display.

From the earliest days of the United States, country stores were the lifeblood of the communities they served. The stores served as a source of goods for the people who were far removed from the town and city markets. To the current day, few such institutions can evoke such folk nostalgia among older residents of communities, as much as the country store. This sentiment confirms the country store of lore and memory, along with the school, church and other community institutions as a focal point of community rural life.

The exhibit features personal memories, photos, items and the history of old-time local country stores from the Oakboro area, dating from the early to late 20th century in the museum's rotating exhibit. The stores, that were so vital to members of the areas surrounding Oakboro, add to the rich history of our communities. Photos and floor plans of the various stores are displayed, along with original items that were carried by the stores.

The exhibit will be on display at the Oakboro Regional Museum thru May 17, 2011.