An old general store coming back to life.
Queens makes a comeback at 142 W. Virginia Ave, Bessemer City, NC!!!
One of the original Mom and Pop grocery stores is currently being renovated by me, Keris Lemaster and my partners. With the blessing of Evelyn Queens’ grandson, William A. Queen III, we are naming the store Queens General Store in honor of her.
I inherited the property when my husband, Joel Lemaster, passed away in 2005. I am very excited to be a part of the Bessemer City community again and look forward to being a hands-on owner. Locals can expect the best from us.
The store has a legacy dating back to the early 1900’s when Caleb Mauney, who was quite a character, worked in his father- in- law’s general store delivering groceries in his wagon. Caleb’s wife, Margaret, inherited the store when her father James Kennedy died. Caleb and Margaret’s granddaughter, Evelyn, lived with them and started working in the store when she was 5 years old. Caleb closed his store in the 1940’s and his granddaughter Evelyn and her husband Bert (William A. Queen Sr) opened Queens on the corner of 13th and West Virginia Ave. The original store was torn down in the 1960’s and with the help of Ruth Lemaster, Evelyn’s mother; the current building was built and opened in 1965. Evelyn’s son, William A. Queen Jr, started working at the store full time in 1959 when he returned from the Air Force and continued to operate the store with Evelyn until it closed its doors for the last time in 1985.
I have heard many stories from Joel about his Aunt Evelyn’s candy counter. He told me that when he was a little boy, he would stop by every day after school and she would let him leave with a bag of candy.
Feel free to share your pictures and stories on Facebook, we would love to see and hear them!!!!!!
We plan on opening in the Spring of 2013. Follow us on Facebook for upcoming events and specials. See you soon!!!!!
Keris Lemaster
Reviews, get directions and information Queens General Store.
