This old general store is the most famous landmark in the historic community of Burnt Corn. It was built by James K. Kyser who became the Postmaster in January 1891. The store opened in 1908. The Burnt Corn Post Office was located in the back left corner of the store. The upstairs of the building once served as the Burnt Corn Masonic Lodge, and it was the meeting place for the Methodist from 1908 until their church building was completed in 1913.
Mr. Kyser built this general store, the cotton gin and the Victorian house across the road from the general store. In 1910, JFB “Jake” Lowrey purchased all of these properties from Mr. Kyser.
Jake’s son, Sam Lowrey, operated the general store for many years until his death in 1995. He also served as the Postmaster. The post office was closed by the U. S. Postal Service under protest from local residents in 1998, and the store closed in 2007. The store still houses its original rolling ladders, and some old merchandise is on display.
This store is located in the picturesque and historic community of Burnt Corn which is approximately 13 miles east of Monroeville (31.551422,-87.159885 – Google Maps)
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Sources: 1) Driving Tour II – Burnt Corn/Old Scotland Brochure, published by the Monroe County Hertage Museum; 2) BurntCorn.com.