COUNTRY STORE (LOOM HOUSE)

Housed in a small building, originally called “The Loom House”, the Country Store is a showcase for the Stokes Collection. Built by Bernard Samuels in the 1950s using wood salvaged from an earlier wing of the old Balthis House, it apparently was never used for weaving. It now serves as a reproduction of a country store during the late 1800s to early 1900s. The original post office box from Sentinel, Virginia, dated 1890, is displayed on the original counter from the old store. The Stokes family has always had a family store of some kind throughout the years and this building was first opened as an exhibit in 2008 during the Festival of the Leaves to make the Stokes Collection available for viewing.
During the Festival of the Leaves, Bernie Stokes was an honored guest in the little store. The saying in Front Royal is, “There never was a store without a Stokes, nor a Stokes without a store.” A slice off a wheel of cheddar cheese, always a staple at Stokes Stores, was being sold with crackers to the visitors for 25 cents. Mr. Stokes insisted on paying for his and this may be the only recorded incidence where Stokes cheese was sold back to a Stokes.

THE SWING HOUSE

Before there were large playgrounds or video games, kids just needed a swing and tea set. The Playhouse was constructed for the Samuels children by a trio of carpenters who also built many local homes during the post-civil war period. Stop by to learn more about who the carpenters were and why they built the structure.

OUTDOOR KITCHEN

Our outdoor kitchen is a two-story building with the kitchen facilities on the first floor, and the sleeping area or storage on the upper level. Unfortunately, the fireplace has suffered damage, and it is currently unusable. However, when it is in working order, it is used during special events to demonstrate the skills necessary to prepare a meal.

BLACKSMITH SHOP

As a fully functioning blacksmith shop, we have volunteer blacksmiths on site during special events, demonstrating how the Balthis family made a living.