The Sugar Shack and Barnwood Signs

Growing up we lived next door to an old community store called The Sugar Shack.

Image from Google Maps

It was Mr. Billy Seymour's getaway; a little old 4-room house where men from the area would get together to drink coffee and smoke cigarettes. Mr. Steve Hall drove his pickup truck with 3 on the tree and had the same parking spot every day on the left by the side door. He taught me to put peanuts in my pepsi. Mr. Jerry Bradshaw would usually ride his 4-wheeler there but every once in a while he'd be in his truck – even though he didn't have a license. He carried his little dog, Molly everywhere he went! But he liked to eat malt crackers with peanut butter and to this day, that's one of my favorite snacks! Mr. Jerry Hewell was a farmer – a true gentleman – and helped my daddy get a pasture and stable on his land for our horse, Ginger. Mr. Roy Lee Andrews was a skinny old man that always seemed like he was just skin and bones to me! But he had the best smile! 

There were almost always at least 4 or 5 men either on the porch or in the front room just shootin' the bull! I don't know what those old men thought of a 12-13 year old kid hanging out there! I just thought it was the best thing in the world! Mr. Billy let me play with his old-time cash register and adding machine and organize all the snacks. 

I used to dream of living in that little house when I got older. Who needed a play-house when you had that next door? 

Left to Right: Mr. Billy and Mrs. Sally's house, The Sugar Shack, my childhood home (from 5th grade until I was married)

I guess that's part of my fascination with old stores. Mr. Billy and his brother Guy had a store years before at the main intersection in our little town just two more houses to the right of this picture. (It was a REALLY small town – we didn't even have a caution light). It was a two-story General Store and he still had a lot of the merchandising fixtures from there. What I really miss and am not sure if I ever saw it in person – it may have just been in photographs – was an oversized sign with white chippy paint and bold black letters that said "SEYMOUR'S". In my mind I can see that posted over the tin awning leading into the front doors, the granite steps leading up the walkway, the old screen doors keeping out the Georgia mosquitos and flies but still letting in the breeze. Oh, how I wish I had actually been there!

This memory inspired me to make custom signs out of the wood that has been salvaged from nearby barns and buildings. It's also been great for my clients who have access to barnwood from their own family property.

The Metcalfes had two pieces of reclaimed barn wood from Carrie's dad. Each one was 5 feet long, about 11 inches wide and a standard 1 inch deep. For one of them we created a Welcome sign to face the front door. It featured burlap flowers and was just what they needed to fill an awkward spot on their balcony.

The other one was a take on the old store sign and featured their name and wedding year hand-painted in their favorite rust red accent color. 

It really is the perfect way to frame out their front doorway! They've received so many compliments! And the great thing is, it can really be done with any name or phrase! It's just a matter of finding the wood and having the skills to paint on it!

Guess who has both!? Liz Hill & Co!

We would LOVE to make a barnwood name sign for you! Please contact us today to talk about size, color, design, delivery, etc.

And if you have your own barnwood that is special to you and your family, we will gladly help you turn that into a treasured custom home decor piece!

So come on! What are you waiting for!? Let's get to junkin'!

Liz