Photo: Charles Boyer / FMN
Nestled in the serene wooded andscape of Richloam, Florida, the Richloam General Store is a living time capsule of a bygone era.
Established in 1921, this charming establishment stands as one of the last surviving general stores in the state, offering visitors a unique glimpse into early 20th-century rural life. Today, it serves as both a functional general store and a historical site, drawing travelers and history enthusiasts alike.
Early Beginnings: The Birth of Richloam and the General Store
Richloam, a small community within the Withlacoochee State Forest, traces its origins to the turn of the 20th century. The area was originally part of a large swath of forest land critical in Florida’s booming turpentine and lumber industries. By the early 1900s, railroads had been constructed to transport timber and other goods. Richloam became a crucial stop along the Orange Belt Railway, a narrow-gauge rail line connecting Central Florida to St. Petersburg.
In 1921, the Richloam General Store was built as part of the Richloam Post Office. It served as the community’s hub, where locals gathered not just to shop but to exchange news and stories. The store provided essential goods for everyday life, including dry goods, tools, farm supplies, and groceries. It also housed the local post office, further cementing its role as a community cornerstone.
A Hub of Activity in Rural Florida
During the early 20th century, the Richloam General Store thrived. As Florida’s rural communities were largely self-sufficient, general stores were the lifeblood of small towns. They offered everything from food staples to farming equipment, ensuring that residents didn’t have to travel far for the necessities they needed in their daily and working lives.
The store also played a social role. On Saturday evenings, locals would gather to chat about crops, share family news, and catch up on the latest gossip. Children ran around the store’s porch, while adults enjoyed the camaraderie of their neighbors. In short, the town store was the center of social activity, and they served as the touchstone for many rural communities across America.
Photo: Charles Boyer, FMN
Challenges and Decline
Richloam, Richland, and other nearby communities were acquired by the United States Land Resettlement Administration in 1936, and was placed under control of the United States Forest Service. The store was used as a rental house until the 1950s, and it sat vacant and unused for nearly three decades in the middle of the 20th century.
John Brinson reacquired the property in 1973 after the store sat vacant since the 1950s. Despite the fact that Seaboard Coast Line began to dismantle the line in the late 1970s, the store and some of the surrounding residences remained intact through the latter half of the 20th century.
Revival and Restoration
In 2016, the Richloam General Store was restored by fifth-generation Floridian and history enthusiast Richard Mikula. The restoration process aimed to preserve the building’s historical integrity while making it accessible to modern visitors and bringing it up to modern code. Mikula worked tirelessly to ensure that the store remained authentic, incorporating original design elements and using period-appropriate materials.
The store officially reopened in 2017, not only as a functioning general store but also as a historical attraction. Today, it features a collection of vintage memorabilia, photographs, and artifacts, transporting visitors back to the 1920s. The store also sells an array of products reminiscent of its early days, including locally-made jams, candies, and handcrafted items.
Visiting the Richloam General Store
A trip to the Richloam General Store is more than just a shopping excursion; it’s an opportunity to step back in time and immerse yourself in Florida’s rural heritage. Located in the heart of the Withlacoochee State Forest, the store offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Hours and Amenities
The store is typically open daily, 10am – 4pm. It is located at 38219 Richloam Claysink Rd, Webster, FL 33597
Directions to Richloam General Store
From Tampa (Approx. 45 miles):
- Start by heading north on I-75.
- Take Exit 301 for FL-50 East toward Brooksville.
- Follow FL-50 East for approximately 12 miles, then turn left onto County Road 478.
- Continue for 6 miles until you reach Richloam. The store is located near the intersection of Richloam-Clay Sink Road and Riverland Road.
From Orlando (Approx. 50 miles):
- Begin by heading west on I-4.
- Take Exit 55 to merge onto US-27 North toward Clermont.
- After about 25 miles, turn left onto FL-50 West.
- Continue on FL-50 West for 15 miles, then turn right onto County Road 478.
- Drive for 6 miles to reach the Richloam General Store.
Both routes will take you through picturesque rural landscapes, making the journey part of the adventure.
What to Expect Upon Arrival
When you arrive at the Richloam General Store, you’ll be greeted by its iconic wooden façade, complete with a wide porch and rocking chairs. Inside, the store feels like a step back in time, with wooden shelves stocked with old-fashioned products and artifacts on display.
Take a moment to explore the historical exhibits, which include photographs and documents detailing the history of Richloam and its residents. The friendly staff, often dressed in period-inspired clothing, are happy to share stories about the store’s history and answer any questions.
Don’t leave without sampling some of the store’s homemade treats. Favorites include their locally-made honey, jams, and nostalgic candies. For those interested in history, the store also sells books and pamphlets detailing the history of Richloam and the surrounding area.
