I wanted to share an antique store of a different kind today. This store doesn't have dealers or sell antiques, but it is an antique because it's 127 years old. Liphams was founded in Tallapoosa, GA in 1895 by Lewis John and Lucy Lipham. At the time, the store sold clothing, fabrics, some everyday items like sugar, flour and cheese. It was very much your typical small-town mercantile. 

I first discovered, Liphams about 6 or 7 years ago. I was out junkin one day and came across the store. Now, they sell clothing and some accessories. I met Bettye, the owner and she was such a very nice lady. She must have been in her late eighties. I was surprised to see she was still shopkeeping but you could tell she loved what she was doing. I always enjoyed our chats. 

Unfortunately, Bettye is no longer with us. Her granddaughter, Hannah, is the 5th generation shop owner now. She has stayed true to her roots. She hasn't changed anything except for the merchandise and some displays. Hannah has found a lot of wonderful old antiques and now has them on display for everyone to enjoy.  

The store is located in Tallapoosa, GA. This is a very small town. According to Hannah, this used to be a thriving town. There was a beautiful old hotel in town called Lithia Springs Hotel. This was the largest wooden structure east of the Mississippi River at the time. It had 175 rooms and this brought in a lot of business. According to the Georgia Archives, the hotel was torn down in 1943. 

We did a Youtube video about this store if you would like to watch it. Just click here.