Rockport Indiana Basye's Drug Store Staff Photograph 1914 Real Photo Postcard

Basye's Store, active in 1914, likely functioned as a general store, a cornerstone of commerce in American small towns and rural communities during the early 20th century. These establishments provided a diverse array of goods, from groceries and dry goods to hardware and farm supplies, serving as essential hubs for daily necessities. The sales force pictured here represents the public face of such a business, a vital connection between the store's inventory and its local clientele, reflecting the personal nature of retail before the dominance of larger chains.