 |
 In 1930, the place now known as the Mercantile was
a grocery store and gas station. In 1945, one side of the room became the Oven Fork Post
Office. It served the community as a post office until 1988 when it was closed down. It
became the Oven Fork Mercantile in 1991. Practicing the old principles of business through
trade [buying and selling] barter, and consignment, the mercantile features local art,
books, music, crafts, antiques, and homemade candies. Located on US119 between Cumberland
and Whitesburg.The
Mercantile is dedicated to preserving past history. The original counters and shelving
remain intact in the old grocery store. A picture on the wall will show you how the place
looked in the 1930’s with the proprietors standing behind the counter.
The post office boxes remain where the mail was
sorted and you can stand in front of the window where former community people stood to
call for the mail over 50 years ago. The flag that was once raised to fly each day, now
hangs on the wall as a quilt.
The Mercantile has a two-story, hand-hewn log room
added on as part of the shop. The room is dated 1865 and was moved from four miles up the
road. Recycled materials were used in the restoration of the cabin.
On display is a collection of arrowheads from an
era when Indians roamed these mountains. The collection consists of about 1500 pieces and
came from Black Mountain and Pine Mountain.
The Mercantile is in the process
of renovation work to offer overnight accommodations in the antique furnished bedrooms
with access to a kitchen. If you think you would be interested in a future
accommodation, please contact us.
Please click on photos for an enlarged
view. |
| Contact
Us Oven Fork
Mercantile
8494 US Hwy. 119S
Ovenfork, KY 40861
Phone 606-633-8909
Email: ovenfork@tgtel.com |
Open Monday
through Saturday 10am to 5pm
Sunday 1pm to 5 pm
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