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Smith-Vaughn Mercantile, East Race St., Searcy AR a long time ago.

By
Real Estate Agent with RE/MAX Advantage

Smith Vaughn Merchantile Race St Searcy AR

Smith-Vaughn Mercantile Co.

Let's see if I remember.  This picture was taken from a 1978 Harding yearbook.  I moved to Searcy in 1967 and this business was in operation.  I started working in the real estate field in 1979.  I transferred to Powell Realty a few years later and Powell Realty was located right beside this building.  The address on this building says 309 East Race and my understanding is that when this building was built and located here it was in the middle of lovely residential property with Dr. Porter Rodgers having a mansion right in front of it so this picture must be quite old.   And here I notice a nice looking home located right beside this building!  

Perhaps the age of the car could tell us more about what happened.  I think Powell Realty's building had been a pizza restaurant before becoming a real estate location.  Sleuths, can you remember?  When did this house come down and who lived there?  

 

Comments (6)

Anonymous
Jeff Lawson

I remember Smith-Vaughn's. There was a side door to the left of the picture and as you stepped inside there was an automated display case. It would show you watches, or a compass of other items for about 10 seconds then the shelves would move and the next item would be displayed. It had a forward/back button at the back top of the case. I was impressed by that case (obviously) There was the loading dock in the back of the building. There was also a showroom on the second floor as I recall. Hard to believe that was 40 years ago.

May 11, 2018 02:35 PM
#1
Anonymous
Donna Turner

Well Barbara I’m as old as dirt so yes I remember smith Vaughn . I enjoyed shopping there. It had a wide variety of merchandise. I think they had furniture upstairs. Love your articles. Donna Turner

May 11, 2018 04:53 PM
#2
Barbara S. Duncan
RE/MAX Advantage - Searcy, AR
GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR

Jeff, those are pretty strong memories!  It must have been high tech for its day.

May 11, 2018 06:30 PM
Barbara S. Duncan
RE/MAX Advantage - Searcy, AR
GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR

Donna, thanks for loving my articles and you are not as old as dirt!  I remember the store but not the surroundings, except for the mansion.  

May 11, 2018 06:32 PM
Anonymous
Mike W

Finished many a hot rod and race car project with fittings and nuts and bolts from Smith-Vaughan. They had EVERYTHING.

May 21, 2018 01:31 PM
#5
Barbara S. Duncan
RE/MAX Advantage - Searcy, AR
GRI, e-PRO, Executive Broker, Searcy AR

Mike, sounds as if they had a lot of customers.  Satisfied customers!

May 24, 2018 05:21 AM