Tarkington General Merchandise

6688 Hassell Creek Road
37033 Centerville
USA
Tennessee Hickman

Telephone: 931-729-2767

About the Store

Not to be confused with a modern convenience store, Tarkington's lays claim to being an original, community store--a convenience store from a different era It's been around in the same family for over 77 years.

The Front Door

It's an old fashioned screen door so they can keep the main door open in warm weather and talk to the people out front.  On the main door, they'll post your business card, lost dog flier, church bulletin, or meeting announcement to their front door where everyone can see it. 

Front Porch

The front porch has chairs for sittin' in and rocking--a place to talk to neighbors and friends.  There's a couple of old gas pumps that don't take credit cards.  You might even get found by a friendly dog who would like to help you finish your bologna sandwich.

Back Yard

In warm weather you can soak your feet in Hassell's creek and listen to the local folks play their own songs just like folks in the hills of Tennessee have been doing for years.  You might even hear a Cowboy poem if you're lucky.  You might even join the Tarkington Society started by a group from Des Moines when you wade the creek out back.

Dry Goods

Need some clothes, some overalls, a saddle, new pair of good boots, overalls, or other dry goods? They'll sell it to you or order it for you.  There's an undiscovered variety of things for sale here.

Food

Groceries? Yes, just the essentials for country life.
Antiques?  Yes, with some still being used for their original purpose. 
Food? Yes, try a fried bologna sandwich on grilled light white bread with cheese, lettuce, tomato, mayonnaise, and pickle for $1.85. 

Old Fashioned Warmth

 Need to warm your heart or your backside in cold weather?  Back up to the old propane stove it used to be a wood burner, have a homemade sandwich, and swap some tales with the local folks around the table.

Whiskey Still

 Need something else--why there's a whiskey still over in the corner!  Naw! This one doesn't work, but plenty of folks around here remember when they were fairly common.  Maybe they'll share some memories or even experiences!

Live Entertainment

Show up on Saturday mornings for authentic, live music by area artists. Most of the groups play about two hours, but come early to get a seat, and enjoy shopping at the Store also.

No fancy game machines here and no juke boxes, either. 

Hang around for Saturday and enjoy authentic Country Music played and sung by local musicians and songwriters--maybe they'll take your picture and post it on the bulletin board with all the others.

Located at 6688 Hassell's Creek road, you probably can't just find this place unless you have a map or good directions.