| In
a world that seems to be changing constantly, the Rabbit Hash General Store is
a heaping slice of Americana from another era. A working general store since 1831,
the Rabbit Hash General Store is the heart of historic Rabbit Hash, a quaint
little Northern Kentucky river-town whose fortunes literally have risen and fallen
with the waters of the Ohio River. The
town's name, “Rabbit Hash,” is said to have originated during the flood
of 1847 when the abundant local rabbit population was driven to higher ground
and became a food staple in a special stew called “hash.” Little documented
history of Rabbit Hash actually survives, primarily because devastating Ohio River
floods in 1884, 1913 and 1937 deluged the little town and ruined many records.
The
Rabbit Hash General Store was completely submerged during the 1937 flood that
crested at an unheard of 79.9 feet. There is still mud in the store's attic crawl
space from the historic '37 flood, and the only reason it has survived the river's
often angry waters is that it is anchored securely to the ground by a series of
iron rods which run through the entire structure. Much of the rest of Rabbit Hash
was not so fortunate during the historic flood. Several residences, outbuildings,
the creamery, a tobacco warehouse and the blacksmith shop were washed away in
1937. The
Rabbit Hash General Store looks untouched by both time and river waters. Its large
front porch with roof overhang is the town's social focal point. A large painted
sign welcomes visitors to the store itself, which still sells groceries and other
staple items for local residents. As a major tourist attraction, however, the
Rabbit Hash General Store features antiques, collectible Bybee pottery, hand-woven
towels from Boston Weavers, brooms made at Berea College in Kentucky, hand-made
soaps, wooden kitchen utensils, enamelware, and the necessary hats, shirts and
postcards. Lots of delicious foods are offered as well, such as Elmwood Inn teas,
Mom Blackmans cream pull candy, Windstone Farm blackberry jam, shortbread wafers
in tins, Lion coffee and Screamin' Mimi's salsa. The
kit consists of laser cut plywood, basswood, laser cut roofing and injection molded
chimney parts. Two laser cut benches and stairets with railings are also included.
Two different era variations of signage are included that are accurate for the
building. Extra advertising signage is also included. The building can be built
on included stilts or flat on the ground depending on what layout space is available.
A six page instruction manual is included along with several reference photos
of the prototype building. Average assembly time is about 10 to 12 hours |
