Coleman’s Store of Pacolet, South Carolina, As I Knew It
Artist: RC and the Moonpies
Jason Mater Robinson
Posted On August 22, 2015
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On the corner of Highway 150 and #9 right in front of the railroad tracks is a building painted notepad yellow with giant bold letters that read “Coleman’s.” This Saturday will be the offical retirement party of one of the small town of Pacolet’s greatest citizens, Mr. Coleman. Inside the yellow building is to step back in time of an old time country store.
It is filled with everything ranging from cast iron skillets, produce, ice cream, fresh cut meat, check cashing, kerosene, hardware, and what have ya. Mr. Coleman’s real name is Ruben Earl Coleman — for many years I never knew his name. All the long years of hard work and his Iron man Cal Ripken Jr. like streak have earned him the title of being called Mister.
I recall buying coke in bottles there long before it was just a novelty act for big business. Mr Colemans trademark penguin like steps and heartfelt soft spoken “May I help you?” along with “We thank you for your business” is right up there with JC’s “Call it!” of the beacon if you ask me.
The Town of Pacolet has gained alot from the store over the years and its only fitting to have a bluegrass band named RC and the moonpies to play at his retirement party. Ironically the same day the local “rival” grocery store will be closing its doors. Mr. Colemans shoes can never be filled but his legacy will live forever in history.
