The tiny red store in “downtown” Good Hart has a history all its own.
The current structure was built by resident Cliff Powers in 1935 and
operated as a general grocery, butcher, and gas station until 1971 when
the Powers sold the business to current owner Carolyn (Woods)
Sutherland, who currently operates the grocery, bakery, deli, and post
office with husband Jim Sutherland. Although a post office was
established at Good Hart in 1874, the current location was not used by
the postal service until 1945 when Mr. Powers became postmaster.
Many original features of the store remain intact such as the tinted
front windows, the glass-front counter bins, the 1901 National Cash
Register (with warranty, albeit expired), and the carved oak “cooling
case” which visitors probably don’t realize was in fact just that, a
cooling case, which was installed before electricity was available in
the area.
Today travelers along Lake Shore Drive (M-119) can’t help but notice the
quaint general store situated steps from the scenic roadway nestled
between the signs marking the area of Good Hart. Visitors will enjoy
homemade baked goods, fresh jams and preserves, a delicious selection of
prepared foods, and a dizzying assortment of the area’s finest tees and
sweats.