Bradford, Tenn.–It’s definitely the end of an era, as the legendary Skullbone Store closes its doors for the last time today.
Skullbone Store is one of the last old-fashioned general stores, where you could sit for a spell, do a little shopping or ask the proprietor Ruby Hampton to make you a sandwich with a good, thick cut of bologna.
The Skullbone store has a colorful past, with murals on its outside walls proclaiming it as the heart of the mythical region of Skullbonia. And there is the sign across the street from the store that shows you just how far you are from all the cities in the world–from London to Paris to New York City.
For many years, Skullbone was also the site for huge music concerts, with big names drawn to the remote location.
It’s been the gathering spot for the area around Bradford in Gibson County for decades and now Landon and Ruby Hampton have decided it’s time to close the doors–after 55 years. Ruby said they made the difficult decision due to her husband’s ill health and said she needs to devote her time to his care.
Brent Cox was one of those who visited the store for one last time today and said there were cars backed up everywhere around the store, with a large number of people who gathered there to bid the Hampton’s and Skullbone Store one last goodbye.
Top photo: Ruby Hampton visiting with customers on the store’s last day (Brent Cox photo).
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