Overview
Madison Dry Goods is a country store located in Madison, North Carolina. It is a popular tourist destination, known for its unique selection of merchandise and its haunted history.
The store was originally built in 1890 and has been in operation ever since. It has been owned by several different families over the years, but it has always been known as Madison Dry Goods.
The store sells a variety of items, including clothing, shoes, antiques, souvenirs, and food. It also has a small museum that tells the story of the store and its history.
One of the things that makes Madison Dry Goods so unique is its haunted history. In 1929, a man named Charlie Lawson murdered his wife and six of his children in the upstairs of the building. The murders were one of the most gruesome crimes in North Carolina history.
The murders have left a lasting legacy on the store. Many people believe that the store is haunted by the spirits of the Lawson family. There have been numerous reports of paranormal activity in the store, including strange noises, moving objects, and apparitions.
Despite its haunted history, Madison Dry Goods is a popular place to visit. Tourists and locals alike come to the store to browse the merchandise, learn about the store’s history, and maybe even catch a glimpse of a ghost.
The Lawson Family Murders
The Lawson family murders took place on Christmas Day, 1929. Charlie Lawson, a sharecropper, shot and bludgeoned his wife, Blanche, and six of his seven children.
The murders were a shock to the community. The Lawsons were well-known and respected members of the community. They were also active in their church.
There is no clear motive for the murders. Some speculate that Lawson was suffering from mental illness. Others believe that he was motivated by financial hardship.
Lawson shot himself in the woods after the murders. Only one of his children, Arthur, survived the attack.
The Lawson family murders are still remembered in Madison today. The Madison Dry Goods store is a popular tourist destination, and many people believe that it is haunted by the spirits of the Lawson family.
The Store Today
Madison Dry Goods is still in operation today. It is owned by Michael Smith, who is known as “Smitty.”
Smitty has embraced the store’s haunted history. He has added a museum to the store that tells the story of the Lawson family murders. He also hosts ghost tours of the store.
Madison Dry Goods is a popular tourist destination, but it is also a community hub. Locals come to the store to shop, socialize, and learn about the history of their town.
The Store’s Unique Selection of Merchandise
Madison Dry Goods sells a variety of items, including clothing, shoes, antiques, souvenirs, and food.
The store’s clothing selection includes both new and vintage items. There is something for everyone, from children’s clothes to work clothes to formal attire.
The store’s shoe selection includes both casual and dress shoes. The store also sells a variety of boots, including work boots, hiking boots, and cowboy boots.
The store’s antique selection includes furniture, glassware, dishes, and other collectibles. The store also sells a variety of souvenirs, including t-shirts, hats, and mugs.
The store’s food selection includes candy, snacks, and drinks. The store also sells a variety of local products, such as honey, jams, and pickles.
The Store’s Museum
The Madison Dry Goods museum tells the story of the store and its history. The museum includes exhibits on the Lawson family murders, the store’s owners, and the town of Madison.
The museum also has a collection of artifacts from the store’s history. This includes items such as old cash registers, clothing, and furniture.
The Store’s Ghost Tours
Madison Dry Goods offers ghost tours of the store. The tours are led by Smitty, who shares stories about the store’s haunted history.
The tours take visitors to all parts of the store, including the upstairs room where the Lawson family murders took place. Visitors may even catch a glimpse of a ghost during the tour.
Conclusion
Madison Dry Goods is a unique store with a rich history. It is a popular tourist destination, but it is also a community hub. Locals come to the store to shop, socialize, and learn about the history of their town.
If you are ever in the Madison area, be sure to stop by Madison Dry Goods. You may find the perfect souvenir, or you may even catch a glimpse of a ghost.
