Mickey Starling
reporter3@greenepublishing.com
Just down the road from The Switch, was Taylor’s General Store, in Hanson. Owned and operated by Cilla Taylor, a beloved widow whose home was attached to the store.
Much smaller than The Switch, Taylor’s was a small, dimly lit wood-frame structure that smelled like the trees from which it was built. Racks of snacks lined the area in front of the counter, while other essentials filled the spaces that remained.
Though Miss Taylor was a quiet soul, she was vocal about her faith, with scriptures and thoughtful poems lining the walls. Each was hand-written on unlined poster boards and rarely did the writing hold a straight line. My personal favorite was this poem: “Only one life, soon to pass. Only what’s done for Christ will last.”
Sadly, Taylor’s life ended far too soon, as she was robbed and murdered, in 1986, for the small amount of money in her cash register. Still, she is well remembered for her kindness and meek demeanor. My goal for each of my visits was to make Taylor laugh. She had a high-pitched howl that would resonate from her voice when she laughed, making my efforts worthwhile.
I’ve never been one to turn down a cold soda and a moon pie, but it was Taylor who made each trip memorable. She was a remarkable lady who quietly made a living from her little store while also proclaiming the gospel at every opportunity.
Every trip through Hanson still calls to mind her little store, with the not so gentle ringing of the cowbell that clanged as you entered, the rustic simplicity of days gone by and the sincere love shared through an underpriced Pepsi and a chocolate moon pie.