Plevna General Store

In September 1913, the Hinshaw brothers began construction of a new general store building, located at the corner of 3rd Ave and Main street in Plevna. The new "Hinshaw and Hinshaw General Store" opened for business the week of November 17, 1913.[6][7]

In 1917, Emmett Hinshaw's son, N.H. "Jack" Hinshaw, purchased a one quarter interest of stock in the business from his father and uncle. A year later, in 1918, Jeremiah Hinshaw left the business.[8][9]

An an interior view of the store, circa 1916.

Following Emmett Hinshaw’s death in 1928, his son Jack took ownership of the store.[10] Jack operated the store for the next 47 years until selling the business in 1975.[9]

Mr. & Mrs. Darrell Lee Holmes purchased the store from Hinshaw in 1975 and operated it until 1987.[9] It was during this time that the name of the store was changed to the "Plevna General Store.”

In 1987, the Plevna General Store was purchased by Charles and Shirley Kern.[11]The Kern family operated the store for 10 years. During that time, Charles Kern restored the store to its original 1913 condition. After restoration, the store was described as "one of the most architecturally elaborate examples of an early 20th century detached commercial building remaining in Kansas." The building featured the original pressed-tin 14-foot ceilings and preserved hardwood floors, along with the original scale, cash register, display cases, and arched windows. A root cellar was located under the building, and Kern still used a hand-operated cargo elevator to access it. Many of the relics which he found in the root cellar were displayed in the main store. These antique items included Peet Brothers Soap, B&R Root Beer Flavor, and Dr. Hess Stock Tonic. The store became a national and international attraction, receiving visitors from Queens, NY, Los Angeles, CA, Japan, England, New Zealand, and Germany.[12]