Forbus General Store | Tennessee Crossroads | Episode 2050.1

Owner Joe Sells grew up nearby Pall Mall, TN and always wanted to open a general store, discussed it with his wife and children, tried to be a general store for a few years but did not work financially. So, he noticed a lot of tourists and he did not have anything for them to buy. And that's when a light went off in his head to make and sell fudge. It worked! He's living his dream, and Pig, well it's just something the folks there do to pass the time. They take it seriously, gives locals a place to "hang out", whittle on the front porch in summer, sit by fire in winter and play cards. Join Nashville Public Television's Tennessee Crossroads to find out more about Forbus General Store.

[@BeingRomans829ed]

I get a certain deep down good feeling every time I walk into an old general store.

[@gulzarahmed1632]

I love Tennessee....

[@justkelly6992]

I remember these country stores. The smell of the wood floor and the bag tobacco as you walked in. When it was 110 degrees one owner would let us kids sit in the cooler on boxed beer and drink our Shasta Soda pop. Then cream-sickles and out the door to the swimming pool. I'm 65 now and it nearly makes me cry to think my kids never experienced this and now my grand kids only have MalWart and Quickstops. America has lost so much to progress and growth and it is in the human aspect of America that suffered the most. The times of these stores was the greatest generation at their best. Should I get anywhere near this gentleman's store I will detour just to buy some fudge and support his efforts. A great American if I ever saw one.

[@miketrevino8761]

I've never lived anywhere but a city. I just 40. Got my first Harley a year ago. Its these stores i stop at when im on the road. I get out in the country and get lost! That's the point. I was lucky to see this when i was a boy visiting relative's farms. So my whole adult life this rite here is getting more rare. The progression of america has killed so many of our good things that made life a little bit less chaotic and freedom's we will never see again. Its hard to put any faith in humanity when the greatest country on earth is all about capatlism and poor people. There are alot of good people that still have some dignity and self respect and that want to help. But the number is getting smaller everyday.

[@nottabidenfan660]

"The Good Ol' Days!" How I wish they'd come back! 🇺🇸 👋🏼 Greetings, from the Constitution State!

[@jamesmizejr.]

WONDERFUL place to remember the MEMORIES of the MANY COUNTRY STORES ESPECIALLY HERE IN PULASKI COUNTY! STOPPED IN FOBUS JUST A WEEK AGO!

[@carolking5755]

I do have god but I’d still like to know that someone been there . Do you know which way from Chattanooga Towards Nashville or Knoxville Tn .

[@susanlaymon5915]

In 2003, on an extensive RV trip covering 19 states with our 14 yr old Grandson, we had major damage to our RV right in front of Forbus General Store! Couldn't have been a more fortuitous place for something like this to happen! We went into the store to call Good Sam and found the infamous game of "Pig" going on next to the phone. When the players overheard our plight, we were offered everything from a place to sleep to dinner. Every one of those players had to wander out and crawl under our trailer and inspect the damage. Everyone of them crawled back out and said "Ya got yourself a problem there." The owner of the big house up in back came around and told us we could stay right there as long as we needed and that "rest assure, you will be perfectly safe here." These people were all so special! My Grandson still talks about Forbus, Tennessee! In the end, the Sheriff of Jamestown sent the local county road crew out with a portable welder and fixed us up better than new!! They wouldn't take a dime! What a great part of the country! Building great memories! Will always remember that store!!

[@susanlaymon5915]

I wish I could remember the name of the sheriff of Jamestown. I want to to say Orville Faubus but not sure. We will always have great memories of that place @Frankie Teague

[@j.t.6700]

Great story. Thanks

[@gatoreye2000]

Brought a tear to my eye that these folks could be so wonderful to total strangers. How special that is in today's world.

[@dianeoliver9041]

Susan Laymon That is awesome!!!!! I long for the day when our community all knew each other & were always willing to help, seems like those days are about gone. Still got friends tho that are always willing to help out

[@dianeoliver9041]

Wish we still had a little country store like that, where the community could come hang out, socialize & eat good food. Used to have one years ago & owner was the kind that would help anyone but we lost him to sudden heart attack. Store was eventually passed hands a few times & stopped being “ the hang out” & now it’s just a store owned by outsiders. They are nice but not a “community” store now.

[@SaltyReels]

We need to go back to shopping at these stores like this.

[@pearlrival3124]

to hell with Dollar general

[@Jomama02]

Most of these little stores are gone because of the big box stores!

[@samsmith5556]

@@JohnC-kc5uh aww let's gets get rid of the rebel flag just so we won't affend you... Go live in main stream and keep on kissing BLMs ass

[@charlenelaguer7072]

I miss those old country and antique stores where folks come in, visit, and gather around to play card games or just talk about the old times and good ole days!!!! Great video!!

[@vladimerpopov3070]

We drive the old way, from Indiana to visit family in Jamestown Tn. When you come from the north and approach the store, it’s so Picture postcard.

[@adorabledeplorable5105]

This store is right out of Norman Rockwell’s Americana . I remember years ago I drove through Wasco Oregon . I saw two old guys with their hats over their hearts while the cafe owner ran the flag up the pole . Never forget that .

[@tennessee395]

I’m 65 now also. Grew up in Maryville Tn there were all kinds of country stores in the day. Not so many now but you can still see some like Forbush. I don’t live in Gods country right now but I’m fixin to move back soon, get back to the rivers, lakes, and mountains. Smokey Mountain Rain. Be safe and God bless

[@KrazyRock]

my neighbor, Randal Green, leaves here bout 9am every day and heads down to Forbus, and plays pig all day. Then comes back and we have a beer, lol.. Love that place. Good people.

[@jonburbridge2968]

My great grandparents lived in Jamestown. I've been to this store dozens of times from the early 80's and on. This was so great to see. Thank you 🇺🇸

[@justanotheralmaroad1923]

Never heard of that game. Here in east Tn. we used to play Rook and if it was raining we would take a break and go out in the yard hunting night crawlers. Everyone but me has passed on now. Sure miss having fun with family and friends.

[@susanlaymon5915]

The "play" of Pig looked like a game called Pedro that my folks used to play.

[@tngardener231]

I forgot about Rook thanks for the reminder!

[@Jomama02]

@@JohnC-kc5uh what is your problem? Are you that warped in your mind? Shame on you John C. You are a hateful bitter person. I do hope someone is kind to you and I pray Jesus softens your heart.

[@davidjessee7701]

I used to stop by this store in the 90s while delivering satellite dishes. The wood carvings in the front porch bring you in, and I always bought some fudge to bring home to the wife and kiddo's... It's a winding road but it's always good to slow down and enjoy the drive.. I'm from lake Cumberland KY. Not too far away...

[@spiderbrandt4066]

What a good story so nice to see some thing good , hell I want to move there , more power to you Joe .

[@beckythebarber]

We love stopping here on our motorcycles!

[@patballman]

Joe, this video I'm watching is 10 yrs. old. If your still there I wanted to say hi ! Have many fond memories of you and your family. We lost Ryan last year, real sad. Hope all is well with you and your family. Best wishes, Philip Ballman

[@dellasiwka2529]

Nice little store... I live just down the road in Crossville.I love it here on the plateau🏔️ very nice pictures😀 Family and heritage means a lot to folks like us🌈 Have a good day neighbor 🙋

[@davidfaas58777]

As a Young Kid I was in Tennessee but I don't remember all the details but Watching this, I do like the Southern Hospitality

[@sbains560]

Great store Great owner I wish I could visit

[@glenparks5175]

More of these and less Walmarts

[@olchat2012]

Out with Amazon too !

[@wildwild9926]

True

[@Terry-cx3tl]

Amen!

[@TheAshley9697]

Yes!!!!

[@shawnbottom4769]

In case you were wondering this was filmed in 2010 and they appear to be open for business today. But let’s talk about what isn’t great about mom and pop stores. Limited selection, less incentive to price competitively, and if they can get something not on the shelf....it will take two weeks just like in O Brother Where Art Thou. Online retail blows them out of the water in those respects. Anyway, Forbus General Store appears to have carved out a niche for themselves so maybe there’s room for both.

[@marksettles6695]

About an hour from me. I always stop and buy a snack.

[@sandrareed8784]

I was on there in the 90s as Pottsville Mercantile. In Columbia Tennessee. Now called Marcy Jos.

[@TWTexasA1]

This is life at its finest…👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@docriordan7787]

We would come in from the backside on ATVs, first half of day would be riding there for the bologna sammach then try to make it back to the trailhead before dark. Always had a good time.

[@timothyedmiston8756]

I got the privilege as a kid spending some good quality time in a place almost like that, Barnes Grocery Store in Harvey Kentucky and I will always have a place in my heart for that store

[@randysmith3947]

My mama was born and raised just on the other side of that crik. She's a Davidson, Our family grave yard is right around there to.I'd give anything to be able to move there and spend my last days.

[@pokehunter11]

I remember going there as a kid. I loved it.

[@openhighwayproductions]

America needs more of these establishments.

[@xkitchick]

I just bought a farm about a mile behind this store🥰🥰🥰 I’m so excited

[@christ5469]

America needs a bunch more places like this and less Starbucks. Edited - And less people like @John C

[@christ5469]

@@JohnC-kc5uh Gee. I must've missed the Confederate flag. I only saw all the United States flags.

[@thelastjohnwayne]

AMEN

[@christ5469]

@Flo Grown I've gotta disagree with you to a point. I've got family and friends all around this country. I don't think it's about location. It's about the quality of the people. I've got friends in New York State (not the City) who are so much better people than family in South Carolina. In the same respect, a good friend from Northern New Jersey moved to outside Nashville and said he's never felt more welcome. It's about the people. Though after recent events by me and in the nation, I understand your point. I still disagree with you to a point but I understand where you're coming from.

[@mattjackson]

It's at 5:14 in the background, appears to be a burlap bag advertising Rebel Marijuana.

[@jerva245]

Fuck you, John. I mean, really, FUCK YOU.

[@billhosko7723]

Sweet and so well reported.

[@Jonzuber]

I visited Tennessee in 2008 and loved it so much that I bought 9 acres on a fishing lake and will be retiring there in 7 years. The people there are so helpful and personable c

[@hollerbredkennels3579]

I absolutely love little stores like this! I remember a few we went to all the time when I was growing up

[@bobcriss600]

We stopped by thee before and got some of those delicious fudge! Would love to get more of it! We’ve been in the Philippines now for years....

[@helenwoodrum2383]

Sounds like an awesome place I want to visit one day. The fudge sounds delicious. Maybe take a road trip and visit all Tennessee's Country Stores.

[@bobbieparker7380]

We stop here every year during the 127 corridor yard sale. Good stopping point in hot August weather to get a coke or an ice cream.

[@lakewoodil]

My mothers people were from Robbins, TN just a short distance away. Dishman and Rains families.

[@desireecoad7557]

Oh yummy! I would be buying every kind of fudge. 😎

[@marquittacollier2225]

Been there. Love it.

[@senhorspock]

Watching in 2020! Beautiful place... Hope I can visit it some day soon!

[@Rick-ro8bf]

@Gary Laneve go away troll and stop pushing your leftist BS

[@johnwayne3904]

Hahaha! Nobody in these parts will ever vote for Biden 😆 nice try

[@joeecarbonee6849]

This Kentucky boy I'm 45. I'm gonna make it to see y'all fore I die.. Forbus? Yep . I'd love to bring a bunch to see a piece of history.. yes sir..👍👍 I think I'll watch this video again.👍🏼

[@tomstone3973]

Pall Mall, home town of Sgt Alvin York

[@dorothysachse1398]

I was wondering if it was the same store. Looked very familiar when the camera went in and I saw the fudge counter. Been there a couple times.

[@markrush5013]

Sgt.York is still a big legend around here...l'll probably stop in at the store today.

[@edwinrodeo]

Cool 😎

[@missmable6015]

Nice General Country Store. I've never heard of Pig 🐷card game before.

[@marianfrances4959]

How sweet! Will stop in when we're down that way! 😉🇨🇦

[@SouthernSkeptic]

Gotta' love the South. Good luck, Mr. Joe.

[@itsamadmadsadworld4360]

He's living my dream..I bet some good produce fresh out of the garden would sell...

[@defleppard-lover6298]

Its a mad mad sad world .....living my dream as well. Your right fresh produce would sell in a heartbeat...looks like they even have a popcorn machine and peanuts available while playing pig. Perhaps even an ole barbershop 💈 would do just fine...men love to gather as well as the ladies.😉

[@ronin472100]

Excellent!

[@oldtimers6460]

Yep they way it used to be before towns became cities and job pressure , family and life moved people apart .

[@randallmcdaniel1189]

I stop here whenever I go on the World's Longest Yard Sale in August

[@jondaigle205]

Truly just awesome I would love to visit at store all my years in the truck driver I never seen it

[@mikeloghry9521]

In a smaller way. This remindes me of Supply, Arkansaw in the late 70's Salute

[@TWTexasA1]

Looks like a great place to retire and be part of what life should be….👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@josephwinkler4863]

My grandma’s family owned the local post office general store and there was a bar in the back but also it was their house they lived there I think they burned it down in 1978 I loved going there as a child

[@elikinder1506]

I agree need more of these stores and less of the big chain stores.

[@larryiowatexasrooster9317]

👍🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸🗽🙏🏻nothing like good ole country folks!

[@mcsc4ever]

The store is still there just not as much fudge, I wish there were more to choose from, but really nice to go to. They don't believe they fix burgers either, they still play PIG tho, its neat to watch, so if your ever in the area please stop in and give your support.

[@diannemc4840]

What a cool place!🙂

[@ricochetey]

Rip all the closed Mom and Pop Grocery and General Stores. My town here in MN had a small grocery store or gas station on nearly every corner were you knew the owner. Now all thats left is Wal Mart and local supermarket. Im done going to Wal Mart last time I was in they had 2 out 25 registers going and self checkout line was wrapped around the store. This was a weekday afternoon totally ridiculous.

[@marktrusty8976]

I have been to this store I loved it

[@redtaylor4936]

Shops that look like this in Gatlinburg.Love them

[@782gear5]

Outstanding, Best Wishes !!!

[@elamnissley4099]

Nice ! I need to stop here. His apron says Martha White. I used to haul white corn to Jackson Tenn for grits at adm Martha White. Good food and great people in down in Tenn.

[@randy102063]

My family ran one for generations in Dickson Tennessee

[@norms3913]

These mom and pops stores I love to do business with

[@Thesaltymedic36]

Oh fudge. Yes please 😍

[@nancyyonce2906]

I WOULD LOVE TO GO THERE !!

[@stickxxcummings]

Been there many times and the fudge is AWESOME

[@ralfgroh5967]

We played a game similar to this up in the NE called Spades.

[@velvetindigonight]

This is the only story about sugar I approve of! To me sugar is a poison think about it what is alchohol just poison and sugar but does it taste lovely................ Lovely place and people and I'm definitely going to check out 'Pig' seems like an adaption of rummy? Love the name as you obviously have to be on the ball to play it and pigs are very intelligent creatures. Enjoy

[@robbiehancox5647]

Been there many times years back. Always thought the wooden indians were cool.

[@blackjackmusic1107]

Had breakfast there yesterday, while on a trip to visit Sargent Yorks old home. Great food.

[@texascowboy1416]

I like those kind of store’s

[@richardstewart429]

I am fortunate to have lived in a place like that in my younger days. It was Jocasse Valley in the mountains of S.C. which is inundated by Lake Jocassee.

[@stachiathurmond6718]

This is so neat !

[@dorascott8286]

Looks like a great place...

[@anders1685]

beautiful place , i believe we will visit

[@MillerMeteor74]

Neat place. Here in New Jersey, in all the tiny little towns in the country in the southern counties the general stores are all closing up. I don't get it. People have to drive miles and miles and miles to buy groceries now. It doesn't make sense.

[@jamessimms415]

MillerMeteor74 Chains can leverage bulk buying of items to sell & are able to carry everything under one roof.. Small Mom & Pop stores can’t do that & have to ask for higher prices to cover their expenses

[@MillerMeteor74]

@@jamessimms415 Yes, I have heard that explanation. But it's very sad. Besides, now the residents of the small, out of the way places have to travel to buy anything. I can only think of a couple of general stores left . They do huge deli business, and maybe that keeps them afloat, though one store still closed, even with that. It's just sad.

[@johnmichaelkarma]

the card game rooms interesting wall decor at 3:15 n 5:12 nice little story

[@darrellgold6418]

Wonderful

[@zzmt04]

This is how I grew up👍🏾

[@margarethenderson8882]

God Bless.

[@josiahrickens4556]

I have past tht store alot when I drove to Glasgow KY where I was living

[@michaelbergman1073]

Was given this video as a suggestion because I looked up something about Tennessee on Google. Funny how information is sold

[@sharonridlington9222]

So awesome

[@foxman362]

He needs make this store into part cb radio and ham radio shop that bring more people to your store.

[@timothybedwards5440]

Awesome Tennessee

[@rebccarae7669]

I love it the idea of being in the country a place for people to gather and it's mostly the men and you know they're not drinking I'm guessing somebody with smoke not bad for country folks and I would be there if I lived anywhere around there I'd give that a thumbs-up before I give a bingo hall thumbs up and of course the casino well that's that's always the a fast way to bankruptcy when did they lose the rest of your life but that looks to me like Sundays at my mom's house when I was a kid I just love it I would definitely stop and often

[@azsteve48]

Just looked it up and found it's about an hour from my home. May have to swing by there.

[@gabemccarty8128]

Its been awhile since this was filmed apparently! The ice cream and milk shakes are what keeps it busy now a days! You can't get in the parking lot or the store on a weekend.

[@stantilton2191]

Reminds me of the Flapdoodle store near Reynolds Station, Kentucky.

[@1_fishin_magician153]

I grew up in Battle Creek, MI in the 70's. That card game is also known as YOOKER !!

[@tubetime39]

Heck I want to go there just bc of Susan Laymon's story ! See the place people and give them some business,

[@knightsedge7379]

I drive by this store all the time but have never stopped because there is no tractor trailer parking.

[@jamesjordan6005]

Awesome

[@ernestclements7398]

Isn't that Alvin York's hometown?

[@TreeLBollingTreeMan]

Yes it is.

[@robc.5745]

My Mom and Dad started a small convenience store back in our town in the 1950's and it was the ,I think first around , It's good to see this , Is it still there?

[@markrush5013]

still there...different owners now. not quite the ambience it once had.

[@jeaniegee7305]

Gotta go get some fudge and play some pig.

[@daviddykes1189]

BEAUTIFUL place just wish that i could move up their or cheorkee northcarolina people up their know how to live with a smile and honestly where I'm at gotta do everthing on egg shells black clouds hanging over it