This video story was reported and produced by Garrett Shiflet.
People can find a window to the past in the rural backroads of the Richloam community in Sumter County — with candy, sodas, artifacts and various products themed to the early 1900s.
“My thought behind it was, anyone could build a museum and put up some fruits and old-time products to look at,” said Eric Burkes, owner of the Richloam General Store. “I wanted a museum that people could interact with, and actually buy stuff, and feel like they stepped back in time.”
Burkes turned the convenience store, founded by his great-uncle, into a place where the community can come in contact with antique objects, such as newspaper clippings over a 100 years old—or even stories scratched into the metal sheeting. The owner is dedicated to explaining to customers the history of the place, in which cucumber farmers and turpentine harvesters once relied on.
“The older folks, they almost break in tears when you break out a little paper bag and put their penny candy in,” he said. “It reminds them of their childhood.”
The business’ history began in 1926. It was robbed and burned to the ground in 1928. Rebuilt that same year, the establishment served as general store, train depot, post office and packing house for eight years.
Historical accuracy has been deeply rooted in the store from the moment it reopened in 2016. The commitment to create a vintage experience is evident, even with the modern conveniences such as card payment or homemade face masks. Many of the products offered are made right there in the Burkes’ property.
To take a glimpse into Florida’s forgotten frontier past, the historic Richloam General Store in Webster is a perfect place to go.
