Step Back In Time At This Interactive 1900s “Oldest Store Museum” In St. Augustine

If you’re looking for a uniquely immersive historical experience in St. Augustine, the Oldest Store Museum should be at the top of your list.

This attraction transports you back to the early 1900s, offering a fascinating glimpse into everyday life during a bygone era.

Far from being a static display of antiques, this historical attraction is brought to life through theatrical demonstrations and thousands of authentic period items that will leave you amazed.

Historical Artifacts

Bizarre Combination Inventions: The museum houses some truly peculiar contraptions that showcase the ingenuity of early 20th-century innovation.

The combination baby cradle and butter churner lets you rock your baby while simultaneously churning butter. The ultimate in 1900s multitasking!

There’s also a washing machine powered by a goat running in a circular track, demonstrating the creative pre-electricity solutions of the era. It seems almost hard to believe, and yet it’s here.

Kitchen and Household Items: You’ll be fascinated by the collection of antique kitchen utensils and old-time irons that reveal just how labor-intensive household chores once were.

The displays show the evolution of everyday items widely used today, from primitive washing machines to cooking equipment.

Unusual Transportation: Marvel at the penny-farthing bicycles with their characteristic huge front wheel and tiny back wheel.

These odd-looking contraptions were once the height of transportation technology and provide excellent photo opportunities for visitors.

Authentic Merchandise: The museum is filled with thousands of original items from C.F. Hamblen’s 1908 general store, all meticulously preserved.

You’ll see everything from patent medicines and tonics, to farm equipment and clothing accessories.

Look out for the Milk of Magnesia toothpaste! It’s a product that will make you grateful for modern dental hygiene options.

Interactive Elements: Throughout the tour you’ll have opportunities to participate in demonstrations of how these historical items were used.

Try your hand at shelling corn with an antique device, or peer through an old-fashioned video viewer for a glimpse of entertainment before television.

A Truly Immersive Experience

Time Travel Atmosphere: From the moment you enter, you’ll feel as though you’ve stepped through a time portal directly into the early 1900s.

The entire two-story wooden structure is filled floor-to-ceiling with period-accurate merchandise. It creates an authentic general store environment that hasn’t changed in over a century.

Theatrical Presentations: The tour guides don’t just explain history (although they definitely do this, and they’re wonderful!)

But they ultimately become part of the history by staying completely in character as turn-of-the-century store clerks. It’s part of what makes the tours here so engrossing.

They enthusiastically demonstrate “cutting-edge” appliances and try to “sell” you various products just as a real salesperson from 1908 would have done.

Historical Context: Beyond just showing old products, the museum even provides insight into the economic realities of the time.

For example you’ll learn that a 25-cent wage was considered quite high in this era. This seems absurd now, but it helps to show the value of the merchandise on display in its historical context.

Other Considerations

Tour Structure: Your visit begins with a guided tour lasting approximately 30 minutes, during which your character-actor guide demonstrates various products and inventions.

Afterwards you’re free to explore the museum at your own pace, examining the thousands of artifacts up close.

Photography Opportunities: If you enjoy antiques or vintage items then bring plenty of storage space on your phone or camera.

You’ll want to capture images of countless fascinating objects that you may never see anywhere else.

Ticket Information: Admission is $14.99 per person, and tours start approximately every 15-20 minutes throughout the day.

The museum is open daily from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, making it easy to fit into your St. Augustine itinerary.

Package Options: This attraction is typically included in a package deal with other nearby sites like the Old Jail Museum and St. Augustine History Museum.

Family-Friendly Appeal: While very young children might get restless, the interactive elements and entertaining presentation style keep most ages engaged all throughout the tour.

And as a sweet bonus, each visitor gets an old-fashioned candy stick as a gift during the tour.

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Oldest Store Museum
📍167 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084
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