This beauty from the 200 block of East Front Street in Burlington NC, just a few blocks from Blanche Taylor Moore’s Kroger, undoubtedly started life as a Big Star about 1938 or so. A lot of variations on this prototype were built in the southeast in the late 1930s, and a good proportion of them have held up remarkably well. The craftsmanship and materials are a stark contrast to the cheap stucco effects on most new chain stores.
I’m also guessing the building to the left was a 1940s A&P, but I’ll save that for another post.
Also from this weekend’s long drive:
I’m saying with maybe 60% certainty that this building from downtown Yanceyville NC once housed an A&P.
This Family Dollar on South Scales Street in Reidsville NC was definitely something, probably an A&P as well, but I’m not sure. It also looks like it may have expanded into a neighboring (but built at the same time) adjacent storefront.
Company Shops Market co-op grocery store has recycled the A&P building you posted about in this 2007 entry. (First photo, the green awning.) The building has been beautifully re-designed. And it is nice to have a grocery store once again operating downtown, but this time featuring wholesome, natural foods and owned by the community! Tons of pictures and info on the co-op web site: http://companyshopsmarket.coop/ You should do another day trip and stop by for a visit.