Mr. N.B. Smithey of North Wilkesboro, North Carolina, was an early 20th Century retail entrepreneur who built a chain of more than a dozen low-priced, general merchandize stores throughout NW North Carolina and neighboring states, much like Sam Walton began in Arkansas years later. Amazingly, many were built during the depths of the depression.
In 1932, he rented space in Sparta, NC, in what is now part of Farmers Hardware. Across the street, Smithey constructed a rock building for the store and moved in 1936.
The store offered groceries, clothing, household goods and a cafe. During the middle 20th Century, Alleghany farm families flocked into Sparta on Saturdays to trade and visit. Smithey's store was a popular venue. It has been said that some families spent their entire day in the store. It operated in Sparta for over 60 years. Today, the store is home to the Olde Tyme General Store and Seasons Gifts and Home Decor upstairs and S&L Outdoor Sports downstairs.
The following slide show is taken from a booklet published by the Smithey family that was available in their stores after the founder's death. This slide show is best viewed with the monitor or display resolution set to 800 by 600 pixels or higher. Click Begin to start the show. Advance by clicking Next. Review previous slides by clicking Previous. To return to the beginning of the show, click your browser's Refresh or Reload button. To return to this page, click your browser's Back Button.