This was my store in the 80's. It was first McClanahan's Store when I bought it, then I changed the name to Billy Joe's Store.

I remember this store when it was McClanahan's and when it was Billy Joe's. I grew up in Oriskany and lived there many years after getting married.

I grew up here. This store was my Grandmother's Mae Brizendine McClanahan. I lived there until I was 12 or 13 years old. My mom and dad divorced and we sold it and moved to Craig City in the early 80's.

Hi Gregory! Thank you for sharing your memories with us. We'd love to hear more about growing up in rural America. Do you have any stories about what life was like in the early 80s or your favorite memories of your grandmother's store? It's always fascinating to learn about the history of small towns. Has the area changed much since then? Thanks again for sharing! -Alexis at Vintage Aerial.

It is absolutely amazing how much the area has changed. The old store building is no longer there. I could sit here and tell stories of the place all day. I have driven by it a few times while I still lived in Newcastle in the 90s. I have not been back in almost 25 years. So strange, someone on Facebook recently found one of the original McClanahan's Grocery signs that at some point was repainted. She has offered to give it to me as it does hold quite a sentimental value to me. I hope to get back that way soon for a visit and actually see the place again. Selling and moving from there was a huge mistake on our part.