Jennings, LA 2/28/2014

On the road again Friday Feb. 28

W.H. Tupper operated his General Merchandise Store beginning in 1910, in a rural community just north of Jennings.  The original intent of the store was to supply the needs of area farmers.  However, demand grew for additional items and soon the store carried a little of everything.  During the "Great Depression," workers were often paid with "Tupper chips" which could be exchanged for goods at the Tupper Store.

When the Tupper family closed the doors in 1949, the complete inventory and display cases were carefully preserved by the family and remained virtually untouched for 40 years, until 1971 when it was carefully packed and warehoused.  There it remained until his grandson Joe Tupper, Jr., donated the store's contents to the City of Jennings for the creation of the W.H. Tupper General Merchandise Museum.

The museum offers visitors a glimpse of nearly every facet of early 20th century life in rural Louisiana ... a simpler time when town folk picked up their mail, bought groceries, shopped for notions, wished for toys, and caught up on the news ... all 

Everything imaginable.

City officials, with the assistance of experts, recreated the store interior at its present location, restocking the shelves exactly as they were in 1949. Over 10,000 items are on display, with many items in their original unopened packaging and and still bearing original price tags.

City officials, with the assistance of experts, recreated the store interior at its present location, restocking the shelves exactly as they were in 1949. Over 10,000 items are on display, with many items in their original unopened packaging and and still bearing original price tags.

 Any one recognize these green handled tools?

Things measured.

 Our delightful guide throughout the store told so many interesting stories.  Yes, the times are amazing but she was such a wealth of knowledge in the dearest manner.

 This pair of shoes fascinated me.

 Bradley Voorhous Day

 Who remembers chenille bedspreads?

I don't understand this item.   Maybe it was a sample.  Anyone know how it would have been used?

Interesting stories about Hadacol.

8 to 10 foot brooms...
Chimney sweeping??

Don't exactly know what these are?  Covers for a dog?  Even has a zipper across the top.

An Incredible display of things for sale in the early 1900's.

These are original doors from the Tupper General Store.  

In the "to be continued" blog you'll see what's behind them.