In rural communities throughout the country, the local general store was the focal point of town activities, providing necessities of life, serving as a gathering place for the exchange of information, and often functioning as the place where people posted and picked up their mail. The Bethea Store and Post Office was one such community center. Robert Rose Bethea was born in Marion County on May 14, 1858, and as an African American grew up in an era with one foot in the past and one with the potential for a bright future for someone willing to work hard and persevere. He attended Marion County schools and, by tradition, was an avid reader and strong believer in education. Those beliefs in education and hard work led him to a successful career as a local merchant and community leader. He was active in his church, Weston Chapel, and in the Masonic Lodge. Because of this dedication to community, President Grover Cleveland appointed him postmaster in July 1890, a notable honor for an African American in an era of growing Jim Crow legislation. Bethea ran the post office from this store on Main Street until February 1893.