…a sidewalk sofa.

The “cross at your own risk” sign is a little worrisome, don’t you think? What in world is going on at the store that would warrant such a sign?

Maybe in when the place opened (1925, if the other sign is to be believed) the combination of hardware, groceries, and grain was a real novelty, and folks came in from all over the county*, just to look around. The traffic would have overwhelmed the street, and pedestrians would take their lives in their hands to cross over to look at such an innovative mercantile.

Blackwell, Texas
photographed 5.20.2011

*Counties, actually, as it turns out. This tiny town is located in Nolan and Coke counties. That would automatically DOUBLE the numbers of folks who’d want to come check out the store. Theoretically.