Can't see the forest for the trees...

This is just one view of our property overlooking the Ohio River in Pope County. Multiply these trees by 100 and you will get a sense of what our property looks like. A quick glimpse at a map will show that our county has thousands of acres in the Shawnee National Forest. We are the Whitetail Deer Capital of Illinois, more trees than people, well you get the picture -- and yet this Mama and Papa Bird could not find a more suitable location to start their family. At any rate we have welcomed them with open arms.

The Humble Abode

Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home! Mama and Papa Bird seem to be quite content to call my watering can home sitting right in the middle of the traffic pattern on our front porch. And that traffic includes two cats and a dog! I must admit the view is quite stunning so maybe they figure it's worth the risk.

It's good to share...

I was going to keep all these wonderful boxes for myself, but then I decided it was good to share. I'm not sure what to call them -- they have six compartments and make great storage boxes for crafts, kitchens, work benches, small toys or whatever your creative spirit can come up with. I have used one as a shadowbox for shells, rocks and other treasures from nature. The box has brass handles on each end and they are very sturdy. Although the boxes are new they have been ages in all the right places. This box, filled with craft goodies, is in my Ebay store right now -- Bay City General Country Store.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words

Thanks Just Doesn't Seem to be Enough

A heartfelt thanks to all the veterans and their families for all the sacrifices that have been made in the name of freedom. May we all cherish this and not let anyone take it away from us.

We are headed to a big auction and hope to have new treasures to show you later this week.
Have a safe Memorial Day!

Photo courtesy of Barb Shelby Cimeley. Her work can be seen in fine gift shops in the Indianapolis area.

If we had a motto...

If we had a motto, this would be it - Welcome, Sit Long, Talk Much! People ask us what our marketing niche is and we scratch our head but it really is simple -- we offer what you remember from your neighborhood store. We encourage our customers to sit a spell, plop down in one of our retro lawn chairs and watch the river flow by. Grab a cold soda out of the antique soda cooler and visit with us for a while. Take a stroll down memory lane looking through our old store ledgers when two yards of calico fabric would set you back 30 cents. Walk down the shelves from this 1915 store and see all the antiques and gifts we have selected for you.
Looking for a relaxed and friendly shopping experience...the Bay City General Store is just that place. We are located on the Ohio River, 12 miles south of Golconda, Illinois. Come on and see for yourself just what I'm talking about.

The Way Things Were...

Take a step back in time at the Bay City General Store. Built in 1915, this store was operated as a general merchandise store until 1973 when the owner passed away. We bought and reopened the store in 2005 as an antique and gift store. We have tried to recreate the store as it was many years ago. An old oak thread cabinet, much like the one pictured here, greeted you as you walked through the door. Ms. Tressie was more than ready to measure out your fabric using her yardstick nailed to the countertop and it's still there although time-worn in many places. We are blessed to still have the old store ledgers and neighbors that grew up here enjoy looking through them to find their relatives. Others like to look at the prices from the 20's and 30's.
We hope the next time you are passing through you'll take a minute and step back in time.

Old McDonald Had a Farm

and on this farm he had a chicken, a red barn cabinet, baby chicks, a barnyard welcome sign, patriotic baled berry bowls, a rooster birdhouse and so much more for your primitive country home. The Bay City General Store carries a wide variety of merchandise for every decorating style. Stop in and see us when you are in the neighborhood.