Ike and Corabeth Godsey were owners/operators of the General Mercantile on Walton’s Mountain. The Walton’s frequently featured the couple in episodes. Harriet and Nels Oleson were in charge of the Walnut Grove Mercantile on Little House on the Prairie. Program writers recognized the importance of the family owned businesses in story lines.

My story revolves around the Ford family grocery store.

Rice’s Grocery in Kirkville, New York was owned by my Uncle Alex and Aunt Dorothy Ford. Children of the 1950’s and 60’s are today's Baby boomers. Those that grew up in Kirkville or nearby communities of Mycenae or Manlius Center have memorable stories of the neighborhood store. They remember the aging couple that ran it.

I’ve told the following story before but it’s timeless.

There was a time when liquid products were sold mostly in glass containers. I use milk and soft drinks as an example… In this instance, ‘Joy’ dish detergent was the liquid and it was spilled all over the floor in an isle of the Kirkville store. The more that Uncle Alex mopped, the more suds of Joy he spread! You know that’s something to ponder; am I spreading joy?

“A man takes joy in giving an answer;
and a timely word—how good that is (Proverbs 15:23 HCSB)!”

Brighten the Corner Where You Are/Lyrics by Charles H. Gabriel 1913/Public Domain

Verse 1
Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do,
Do not wait to shed your light afar;
To the many duties ever near you now be true,
Brighten the corner where you are.

Published articles in Mature Living Magazine, Devotions for the Deaf, The Secret Place, Coosa Journal, Mary Hollingsworth's The One Year Devotional of Joy and Laughter, Jo Krueger's Every Day in God's Word. http://www.pamforddavis.com
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