The Heartbeat of a River Town
- Sharon Spell
- May 22
- 3 min read
From Olives to Overalls
Early Times
The Caire Stores have stood along the Mississippi River's edge as both a welcome stop for travelers and a vital resource for the community. In a time when the river served as a primary highway, those passing could stop for supplies, likely on their journey to or from New Orleans. Local families relied on the stores as an essential part of daily life.
The renovation and rebuilding process is uncovering incredible pieces of history! Including a check dated in 1919,
1950s advertisements and catalogs,
Jars of olives forgotten since the 1970s,
Every corner seems to have a story waiting to be discovered!
Photo circa 1900
Step Inside
Fresh meats and vegetables were everyday staples, serving local families and travelers alike.
Specialty goods, including imported olives and other hard-to-find items, connected Edgard to the wider world.
Bolts of fabric, sewing notions, and clothing allowed families to sew, mend, and create garments at home.
Tools and hardware supplied the needs of farmers, tradesmen, and households throughout the community.
Furniture could be specially ordered through the Store.
Christmas gifts, toys, and seasonal items brought excitement to children and families each year.
As times changed, the Store adapted — eventually expanding its inventory to include modern conveniences such as automobile tires.
These intact olive jars were recovered from the damaged brick store contents.
Christmas Catalog circa 1950
A Check written to 'The Texas and Pacific Railroad" in 1919.
Inventory changed with the times, expanding to include modern items
Needed Services
The Caire Stores included conveniences crucial for its neighbors:
A pharmacy provided trusted remedies and care.
Banking offered financial support close to home.
As modern-day transportation became more accessible, a Greyhound bus stop at the Store would bring travelers to and from the surrounding towns.
Bus circa 1969 courtesy of "mbernero's 34308 photos on Flickr"
Country Life
After work, men would relax with a Coca-Cola or a beer on the front porch to catch up on the day's events and share the latest gossip. Mothers would gather contents for the night's meal. Children would visit the Store to be fitted for school uniforms and shoes. Farm workers nearby would be paid partly in store-issued "coupons" to trade for groceries, blending work and family life.
It’s been fun to hear people share their memories about the Stores. A cousin looks around, reminiscing - "the butcher counter would have been here, the counter for Ms. Marie the cashier would have been right over there", pointing at the space.
A friend who grew up nearby mentions how he would have bought a drink and candy, then cut through the yard to go play with friends nearby. Each story adds another layer of community to the buildings' history.
A cousin looks around, reminiscing
Original Sunbeam sign and Kellogg's advertisement
"Progress"
As time passed, the usefulness of the Stores and their role in the community shifted. Retail chain stores in nearby cities such as New Orleans and Baton Rouge would have drawn business away, as families relocated to urban areas.
The Caire Stores remained a steady presence and continued to serve as a general store into the 1970's. From the 1980's until now, it has played various roles as a Cafe and bookstore, a meeting space and an attorney's office. It was last used mainly as storage.
Now, renovations are ongoing to bring the Caire Stores back to life! While not as a general store going forward, we are hopeful that the Museum and Meeting and Event Space will again bring a feel of service and enjoyment of community to those here in Edgard and those passing through.
See more about the origination story here: Caire Cousins and Stores History
Keep up to date with ongoing renovations to the Caire Stores and learn how you can help by visiting www.cairestores.com and subscribing to our newsletter, as well as following us on Facebook and Instagram.
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