October 1, 2012

Greenville, MS to Roy’s Store, Chatham, MS

Distance 21 miles via pick-up truck as it was still pouring down rain, Expenses $46.56

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Awoke this morning to discover the rain was still falling.  Scott was already up and fixed us breakfast.  As we sat at his breakfast table Scott’s son phoned and said it was still raining down his way and his rain gauge had overflowed during the night indicating more than six inches of rain had already fallen. Later I learned the area had over 8″ of rainfall in about 36 hours.  Scott hung up the phone he turned to me and said, “As I see it you have three choices; 1.  You can get on your bike and ride in this stuff.  2.  You can stay here another day or 3.  I’ll drive you down to Roy’s Store.  Which would you prefer”?   OK, Scott’s not a “Road Angel” or “Arch Angel” he’s a “Saint”.

Scott Steele “Road Angel” Saint

I asked him if he was serious about driving me down to Roy’s and he confirmed he would do that as he wouldn’t be able to get any work done today.  Scott owns a landscape business in Greenville.  As we drove to Roy’s Store I got to see some of his landscaping expertise at a local McDonald’s restaurant, I’ve never seen a McDonald’s with lush flower beds.  The property looked more like what you would see at a botanical garden, very impressive.  We arrived at Roy’s store all too soon and I once again had to say good bye to a new friend.

Entering Roy’s Store I felt like I had stepped into a time machine taking me back 50 years.  The store had all sorts of memorabilia and antiques from its past; a Plantation bell sits just outside the store, a butter churn of the early 1900s, signs from the 20’s through 50’s, a cotton sack with cotton in it hangs above the front door of the store circa 1940s era, even a  6 foot long stuffed alligator and more.

I introduced myself to Gee the gal behind the counter, who then introduced me to the store’s owner Pam Hammond.  Pam caters to touring bicyclists and gave me a special price for a cabin of only $25.00, a price one would have paid maybe back in the 60s.  After rolling Spirit over to the cabin, I had to return to the store to learn as much as possible about this treasure of Americana history.  Over the next few hours I learned Pam is the 4^th owner of Roy’s Store having purchased it in 1985.

Pam Hammond 4th owner of Roy’s store taking time out to visit with the Old Guy

The store is a one stop everything you can imagine; food stuffs, small café with tractor seats for stools, gas, boat launch, cabins, hunting and fishing licenses, bait, tackle, ice, beer and is even a US Post Office.  Last but not least Roy’s store attracts a cast of local characters coming and going all day long.  No matter what the subject you can easily find someone to visit with you to share their views.  What a hoot, I love this place.

I may have failed to mention this before but even if you are not a touring bicyclist the MRT route and the

I may have failed to mention this before but even if you are not a touring bicyclist you can drive the length of the Mississippi River following the National Scenic Highway known as ”The Great River Road” as it and the MRT closely parallel each other.  Be sure to plan on at least a couple weeks a month or more would be better to enjoy the many treasures of Americana history.

Below are a few pictures of Roy’s Store for your enjoyment.

History of Mississippi State Highway 1 leading to Roy’s Store

Welcome sign to Chatham, MS erected by Roy’s Store owner Pam Hammond

Front of Roy’s Store

Plantation Bell had been used to call farm hands in from the field as well as to notify them of Payday.

Mule with plow yard ornament

Mississippi style house boat

As you walk into Roy’s Store, notice the 1900s Butter churn center of picture.

Inside above front door hangs a cotton sack with cotton from the 1940s.

Non-‘Typical Buck, 4th largest ever taken with a bow only a mile or so from Roy’s Store

One of three dining areas in Roy’s Store

Back dining room in Roy’s store, where I spent nearly 12 hours working on my journal. Stopping frequently to visit with the caste of character flowing in and out of the store all day.

Roy’s store kitchen where the gals serve up some mighty tasty vittles.

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