William L. Lawrence “Bill” of Gloucester presented a program on Gloucester County’s country stores, their histories, owners, periods of operation and locations, at a Fourth Friday talk held Friday night at the Buck’s Store Museum in Bena. The proper name is the C. B. Rowe & Son General Store Museum, named both for the late longtime operator Buck Rowe and his father, the founder.

Lawrence is author of a book on the county’s stores, and another volume on church histories, both available for sale at the Bena museum, which is operated by the Guinea Heritage Association.

“Though the weather was threatening snow, many people found their way to Buck’s to enjoy the presentation,” GHA president Leslie Belvin said.

After Lawrence’s talk, those present recalled the county’s stores and asked a lot of questions, Belvin said. The GHA holds its regular Fourth Friday heritage talks at 6 p.m. at the Bena store.
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