When great grandpa was a boy, a trip to town was a real chore. A rough ride over miles of dusty dirt roads meant you only went once a week. And only when the weather was dry. But in between, you counted on the local Mercantile.
Conveniently located nearby, the Mercantile offered a little something for everyone. There were shelves full of hardware and horse tack to keep the farm running. The lady of the house could swap butter and eggs for flour, sugar or other staples. Kids found a special treat in the penny candy jars. Retired folks could count on daily checker games and pleasant conversation to pass the time. As the hub of activity in rural areas, many served as the local post office and town hall too.
Whether in its bustling prime or bypassed and neglected, River Road Mercantile is an important addition to the rural area of your HO Scale layout. It can be the most important building in a tiny village, or stand by itself at a country crossroads. Add horses and wagons, or gas pumps and pick-ups (sold separately) to blend with your favorite era.
