Loose Women - no more / Hollow Ridge is Closed

I am bummed...Hollow Ridge Grocery in Mt Tirzah, NC is closed.  Located N of Durham near Roxboro, this was my favorite bike stop and as I stopped there riding on Jan 5, 2013 I knew something was up as it was quiet.  There were always lots of people coming, going or hanging out. All would say Hi even to those wearing strange cycling attire.  It was the typical country / community store where many of the locals would go to socialize and I got to know many of them. 

Quiet and closed on 1/5/13

Back Porch where the locals hang out.  Empty 1/5/13

Be Advised of the Loose Women.  None of the regulars were present on 1/5/13

Hitching Post - many uses and memories 1/5/13

One of the locals trying to figure out where everyone is on 1/5/13.  
He was a picky eater but loved biscuits. 

1/5/13 - Robert is bummed out store is closed

Another disappointment for me is Joe, the mayor owes me a beer.  I guess I better stop by his Angus cattle and soybean farm for payment.


Here are some of the happy times.

Summer 2012  - You can tell these guys are enjoying life at the hitching post.  
L to R Robert, Bob, Norris, Tito, Ags

Martin at front door and Sridhar enjoying time on swing and off bike

One of the locals checking out rando bike.

Mike finding a creative use for the hitching post.

Tim and John O appreciate the bench and shade.

Ags is delighted to be at Hollow Ridge

Robert and Ian getting supplies.  Notice deer head.

Ian, Martin and Biker Bob at table in back of store.  
Great place to rest on cold days and mingle with locals.

Next to the store is an old Stagecoach stop used by travelers to spend the night.

Robert 01/06/13


History High Lights of the Mt Tirzah Store -  only for those interested in history.
Stephen Moore is certainly one of the favorite sons of Person County, North Carolina. He was awarded original land grants in the area, now known as Mount Tirzah, a name of Stephen Moore’s own choosing. He came to this high promontory and built his home in 1778, just prior to the Revolutionary campaigns in the southern theater of the war and became involved in the war himself, the only member of the large Moore family not to remain loyal to the crown.

On February 26, 1781, several months earlier, General Nathaniel Greene had camped out at Col. Moore’s home, which was shortly before Greene met Cornwallis at Guilford Court House in the March battle.

Stephen obtained in Mount Tirzah land in Jan. 1777 and built his home in 1778 (the date exists on a stone in the basement stairs), a beautiful structure on the Mount Tirzah hilltop. The home is believed to be the second oldest in Person County.
Approximately a quarter mile to the south of his home, Stephen returned to merchandizing by building a store, which became an important place of trade, as he was the only merchant within a ten to twelve mile radius, prior to 1800. This country store was probably the local gathering spot for the latest news of the region and more distant places. In addition to buying and selling with the local farmers, Stephen dealt with more distant merchants such as Richard Bennehan at Stagville, N.C., and with merchants of the major trading and distribution point of the times in Petersburg, Virginia.

The Mount Tirzah store also rented for hire the employment of the Moore family slaves to the neighboring farmers to help with various farm work. There was considerable business done in potatoes, wheat, and corn. However, the Mount Tirzah store also dealt with a refined product of the grains, that of liquor as many references to brandy and rum would indicate.

For History buffs more details here.   Thanks to Branson for sharing this.

http://www.ladyslippercove.com/Genealogy.html