The historic Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile Store along Front Street in Natchitoches continues to do business much the same way it did more than a century ago, giving visitors a glimpse into a slower and simpler time.
general mercantile store rings up history
Inside the old brick building overlooking the Cane River Lake waterfront, there are reminders of another era everywhere you look. An antique freight elevator still carries merchandise between floors, just as it has for generations. “It was installed in 1892 when this building was built,” said owner Luke Frederick. “Originally was hand cranked, but has since been electrified and we use it on a daily basis.” And downstairs near the counter sits a 1917 National Cash Register that still rings up purchases every day.
a store frozen in time
The old store remains a working hardware and retail business, where locals still stop in to have keys made, buy nails by the pound, and browse shelves stocked with hardware, kitchenware, and toys.
There are also signs of the Kaffie-Frederick Store’s long history tucked into nearly every corner. Old telephones and electronics sit on shelves beside an antique scale once used to weigh bales of cotton. A few horse-drawn wagon parts remain in inventory from another century. “When cars came along, there wasn’t a whole lot of need for wagon axles,” Frederick said, “so we got stuck with a few of those.”
The business has survived for more than 160 years by blending history with customer service. Upstairs, visitors find a modern boutique and gift shop, while downstairs the atmosphere feels much the same as it did decades ago. Frederick grew up working in the family business, following both his father and grandfather behind the counter.
“You do look around and you consider yourself fortunate that it has indeed lasted,” Frederick said. “Again, attribute it to the service that we provide and the quality merchandise that we offer.”
visitors discover the charm of the general mercantile store
The store has become a destination for tourists who enjoy stepping back into the past. “I’ve just loved hardware stores,” said Phil Schrodel, who was visiting from Maine. “Oh, it’s terrific. Yeah, you know, frankly, it’s best I’ve ever seen.” The building itself has changed very little over the years. The store was updated only once, during a 1932 remodeling done by Frederick’s grandfather.
“Originally everything was cased and clerks were behind the cases,” Frederick explained. “If you wanted to purchase say a handkerchief, the clerk would pull it out of the case and hand it to you.” Today, preserving that old-fashioned experience has become part of the appeal. “To provide them with a memory of their younger years is really a good feeling,” Frederick said. In a city known for honoring its history, this old general mercantile store continues ringing up memories one customer at a time.
kaffie-frederick store featured on tv
getting there
The Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile Store is located at 758 Front Street, Natchitoches, LA. Phone (318) 352-2525. See the store’s website for more information.
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