Tukey's Store, Gateway to Belgrade Lakes Region K66

Tukey's Store, Gateway to Belgrade Lakes Region K66

Tukey's Store, Gateway to Belgrade Lakes Region K66 Family-owned roadside general stores offering gas and groceries were a familiar sight for travelers and families on automobile vacations during the mid 20th century. Such businesses sprung up along roads leading into areas popular with vacationers, such as the Belgrade Lakes, and served those who were camping or renting one of the many cabins or cottages in the area, as well as those en route. In this friendly scene the proprietor, wearing an apron, has come out of the store to help some cheerful customers slustered around the back of a Ford station wagon pulled up to the pumps. A young boy is among them; he turns to face the camera. Advertising pennants flap in the breeze from a line strung overhead. A large sign over the door of the western log barn style building identifies the place as Tukey's Market. Large, circular Coca Cola signs are mounted on either side of the sign. Several advertising posters hang in the picture windows, one for Pabst Beer, another for Old Gold Cigarettes. Flying A gas logos adorn the gas pumps. The scene is a classic piece of mid-century Americana.