Founded in 1915 by D. A. Jones and John A. Stavely with associated shareholders, the Fluvanna Mercantile Company was a pioneer store noted for its continuous career on its original site. Its stock, freighted in by the Roscoe, Snyder and Pacific Railroad, was typical general merchandise, including clothing, materials, groceries, hardware, millinery, patent medicines, seeds, and shoes, while flour and stock salt were sold by carloads. During the 1930s Depression, barter prevailed as local people traded cream and eggs for store-bought supplies. Early stock and display cases were given to a museum in 1958.