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By CINDY MAHAN
Rappahannock Ntwj Staff Writer
Back in 1987, Mary Frances Fannon saved the Laurel Mills Store from being turned into apartments.
It took a lot of renovation work, but the store has been thriving ever since. Even an antique store has been added to the downstairs, “Down Under Laurel Mills Store.”
The cornerstone for the building is dated 1877, so the store is at least one of the oldest in Rappahannock County. It was purchased from Richard Settle in 1987. Other storekeepers have been Esther Peyton, the Burke family, and Wally Utz owned it in the 1930’s.
Now Mrs. Fannon runs the store with the help of one full-time employee, Pam Fincham, one part-time employee, and Lucy Compton and J.T. Taylor, who she describes as neighbors and special friends. When needed, Mrs. Fannon’s husband Bill and children Chip, Beth and Heather step in to help. The family has lived in Laurel Mills since 1967.
The store, with a wide front porch with plenty of space for sitting and watching all the goings on in Laurel Mills, also proudly displays an antique gas pump out front. New pumps Were installed, though, when Mrs. Fannon took over, including diesel fuel.
Inside, be sure not to miss the top shelf full of interesting antiques. Other shelves hold a wide variety of everyday staple items along with food and drink to please the gourmet. Who would expect a little country store to carry wines from Chile, Australia and a 1993 Beautour Pinot Noir from California? Or chutneys in three flavors: tomato, orange or gooseberry? There is also Heidi’s pumpkin butter (a local product), wild rice, smoked oysters, sardines, Lea & Perrins Worcestershire, capers and Old Bay seasoning. “I really care about having
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