By All Accounts: General Stores and Community Life in Texas and Indian Territory

The general store in late-nineteenth-century America was often the economic heart of a small town, selling goods necessary for residents' daily survival and extending credit to many customers. Linda English's research on store account ledgers from the 1870s and 1880s reveals the experiences of thousands of people in Texas and Indian Territory, particularly women, immigrants, and ethnic and racial minorities. The entries yield detail about the proprietor, customers, and merchandise, and the store witnessed many aspects of residents' daily lives, including national concerns such as Reconstruction, race relations, women's rights, and temperance campaigns.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 284 pages
Publication date: 30 March 2021
Publisher: University of Oklahoma Press

The general store played a pivotal role in the economic and social life of small towns in late-nineteenth-century America. It served as the heart of the community, providing essential goods and services to residents and extending credit to those in need. Merchants in these stores not only sold the necessities of life but also fostered a sense of community by helping to establish churches and other institutions. They and their customers worshipped together, sent their children to the same schools, and came to each other's aid in times of crisis.

A closer look at store account ledgers from the 1870s and 1880s reveals the experiences of thousands of people in Texas and Indian Territory. Linda English, a historian, combed through these ledgers to gain insight into the everyday lives of women, immigrants, and ethnic and racial minorities, particularly African Americans and American Indians.

The store's ledger entries provide a wealth of detail about its proprietor, customers, and merchandise. They serve as a record of the local community's activities, including purchases made by residents of all races and ethnicities. Flour, coffee, salt, potatoes, tobacco, domestic fabrics, and other staples were the most common items purchased, but occasional luxury items reflected the buyer's desire for refinement and upward mobility.

Moreover, the general store played a role in connecting townspeople to the wider world. It was often the only source of information and communication for residents who lived in remote rural areas. The store's proprietor would receive news and information from newspapers and magazines and pass it on to his customers. This connection to the outside world helped to shape national concerns and issues, such as Reconstruction, race relations, women's rights, and the temperance movement.

In conclusion, the general store was more than just a place to buy goods; it was a hub of social and cultural activity. It played a vital role in the economic and social life of small towns, providing essential goods and services, fostering community, and connecting residents to the wider world. The experiences of those who shopped at these stores are a testament to the importance of these institutions in American history.

Weight: 436g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780806168838