05/30/2014
A Big âThank Youâ from Hardscratch Country Store
In July 2005 the doors were closed on the Hardscratch Country Store, the windows were dark, and the âregularsâ were reduced to sitting on the front porch, wondering if there was any chance of reviving the old place. A month and a half later, it was cleaned, restocked, and upgraded, and the doors again welcomed all comers. With little more than the desire to keep the community of Hardscratch (a.k.a. Glens Fork) alive, Vickie and I took on this new challenge.
For the next nine, yes, nine years we welcomed all comers with a smile, and a good meal. Our catfish nights became legendary, and earned us several articles in both local and national magazines, but most importantly, they earned us new friends. Twice monthly our little, old building swelled to overflowing with folks from all over. It was loud, boisterous, and happy, and we always enjoyed it as much as our customers did.
Along the way we added clothing, caps, license plates, and bumper stickers, some of which are still spotted hundreds of miles from our little corner of the world.
With the help of our friends, we managed to put Hardscratch, Kentucky back on the map even though, like Mayberry, it was never really on the map in the first place.
Through the miracle of the Internet we made friends across the country, and some have visited from as far away as California. Others have only âvisitedâ through social media, but with their âlikesâ and comments we know they are as true to Hardscratch as any locals could ever be.
On June 1st Vickie, Jake, and I will pass the âHardscratch Flameâ to new owners, Tim and Sherry Kelly. We wish them much success.
We thank YOU, our friends and customers, for being part of our lives for the past nine years. Your kind words of encouragement and friendship are the best treasures we have stored up during those years. With your help we managed to add nine more years to the life of this little community, and hold onto a bit of the past in a fast-changing world. If we brought a few friends together, made a few people smile, or just made YOUR day a little brighter, then it was all worth it.
The friends we made along the way will always be our friends, and friends need not say âgoodbyeâ. We will just say God Bless You, and Thank You for everything.
Ken, Vickie, and Jake Hill
