VALLE CRUCIS – Constructed in 1909 of locally harvested chestnut, maple, and pine, the Mast Store Annex, located on Broadstone Road in Valle Crucis, is celebrating its first 100 years July 16-18.
The building was constructed as a competing general store by R. L. Lowe of Banner Elk and opened under the name of the Watauga Supply Company. It was purchased one year later by C.D. Taylor and his son-in-law Dr. Henry Baker Perry and was re-named the Valle Crucis Company. It carried a myriad of lines including suits, brogans, tools, piece goods, and the like. Although it was competition for the nearby Taylor and Mast General Store (later the Mast General Store), its lines were also complementary.
Regardless of the official name, it became known locally as the Farthing Store because it was managed by Aubyn Farthing, who later owned the business outright.
In addition to items for purchase, the store also housed the Valle Crucis Post Office until Aubyn was forced to retire as postmaster in 1963. In the time between its operation as a general store and becoming the Mast Store Annex, the building also served as an antique store and a storage area.
Today visitors can see the authentic rolling ladder that was used by Mr. Farthing to fetch items off the top shelves and evidence of an “old-time theft deterrent” just above the front door. Be sure to ask about the Valle Crucis Post Office moving back and forth between the Mast Store and what is now the Mast Store Annex.
In celebration of 100 years of service to the community, the Mast Store Annex will offer small ice cream cones on Thursday, July 16 for just 100˘ and on Friday, July 17, stop by around 2 p.m. for cake and punch, while supplies last. There will also be other promotions into the weekend.
For more information, call the Mast General Store Annex at 828-963-6511.
