A small country store would become one of the central parts of early Clarke County. In January of 1895, John Voris of Woodburn purchased the small general store located at Jacksonville. He moved the store from its location on the Lucas county line, one and a half miles west, to where it profited for decades.
The Jay community developed around the mercantile store. It was located at the intersection of 330th Ave and Orange St, six miles north of Woodburn. It wasn’t long after the business was established that amenities started to flood the small community including church services, a post office and a grocery store. In 1903, Jay saw the first telephone arrive. This was an exciting event as it was the first building in the area to have a telephone. Not long after the telephone arrived, a gas pump was installed, where gas was less than $.10 a gallon. Holidays were celebrated at the store. Halloween costume contests were popular with the children and Christmas services were much attended.
During war time, ladies gathered for the cause. Local patriots would congregate to roll bandages for the wounded. And fundraising events were held to raise funds for the Red Cross. Everyone able pitched in to help the war effort.
In September of 1936, the Jay Store was damaged by fire. The fire started in the upper level of the store due to faulty wiring. As the focal point of the rural community, the Jay Store was rebuilt. Bill McClure petitioned the Liberty township trustees for an added venture. A skating rink and dance hall was added in 1931. The vote of the trustees was unanimous with one condition, the dance hall/skating rink was not to be open on Sundays.
The Great Depression took its toll on many businesses. Again, the Jay store was sold. In 1939, Ray Powell purchased the Jay store from his cousin Gerald Powell. Square dancers, 15 groups of 8 dancers, could enjoy the bluegrass music of John Stearns, John Chumbley and Kenny Schaff (The Clarke County Bluegrass fiddle players) for only $.25! Popularity of the Jay store only grew, to the point Powell hired a county deputy to run security. In March of 1942 ownership changed hands. Jim Burgett bought the store.
Jim and his wife often held special events during WWII. During wartime, the Jay store hosted prayer gatherings. Other patriotic happenings were held here. Care packages were assembled in the back of the store that consisted of items from home including cigars for the troops.
Through the decades of existence, all good things must come to an end. The Jay store was moved south to the Ottawa corner. Harley Pippin recalls when they moved the Jay store. “The county maintainer hooked onto the store. They had put it on wheels to move the building easier. They got it stuck on one of the hills because of the mud. So, my Dad had his tractor and had to go get another one. It took two tractors to help pull it out. Along with the maintainer they were able to put it at the Ottawa corner.” Soon after the move, the Jay Store dissolved business. With the relocation of the community’s focal point, Jay too slowly started to disappear. There is nothing left of the iconic little store or the Jay community, only memories of $.10 soda pops and $.05 candy bars.