Exploring the Rich Legacy of the Garden City General Store and it’s Road to Belle Isle

story by chet morrison

The Albert Hanson Lumber Company was a milling cypress in Garden City along Bayou Teche in the early 1900's.  It had established a community of residences along with the commissary that came to be known as the “Garden City Store”.  

 Sometime after 1918, my mother's father, (my Grandfather) Clarence A. Aycock became associated with Captain Nicholas Huth, a dredge boat operator from Chicago.  The two formed a partnership called Huth and Aycock.  They purchased the property of the abandoned Sawmill and my grandfather lived and worked at the mill site and ran his dredging operation from there.  

Originally established as a small local store, the “Garden City General Store” served as a gathering place for the community, providing necessities and basic goods to the residents of the town.  It has seen generations of families come and go. 

My mother had fond memories of the store growing up, remembering the store as a symbol of community resilience and togetherness.  As a child, when we would visit Franklin, LA and the surrounding area of Garden City, we would stop by and see the store.  Though by this time the store was closed some of the merchandise remained and must have been decades old.  Old artifacts were also still there. I recall even at a young age thinking I was taking back in time.  

In xx??, as the sawmill and many structures in Garden City were falling apart, in disrepair and being torn down for timber, I decided to purchase the “Garden City General Store” from the family.  I decided to restore it and have it regain a new life of community at Belle Isle.  To me, the building is a symbolism of tradition and past appreciation of life when things were personal and simple and core values were trusted.  

To transport it to Belle Isle, we completely dismantled the old building.  Board by board, everything was taken apart.  We rebuilt and restored the building using much of the same old lumber, walls, floors and ceiling and maintained the original 19 foot counters and vintage walk-in cooler.  In some areas you can even make out the old wallpaper that lined the wood on the store walls.  With updated modern lighting and a full commercial style kitchen, “The Garden City General Store” is now converted to a hunting, fishing and touring lodge that will serve as our dining and entertainment venue.  

I am proud to have been able to restore the building. Working with construction crews on a remote island has its challenges, so the process can be slow at times, but the result is well worth it.   The store had provided a sense of pride in the past and now is back in service to be enjoyed for generations to come. 

We look forward to filling it with our Belle Isle friends and family.  Please come visit, reminisce, and see the old store.  You’ll feel the presence of times gone past and good times to come!

more history of the garden city store

Over the years, the store has witnessed the evolution of Garden City and played a vital role in meeting the changing needs of the community. It has seen generations of families come and go, providing a sense of continuity and stability in an ever-changing world.

The store weathered the challenges of time, including economic fluctuations and changes in consumer preferences, thanks to its commitment to quality service and personalized attention. It became more than just a place to shop; it became a symbol of community resilience and togetherness.

Throughout its history, the Garden City General Store has adapted to the needs and demands of its customers. Its inventory expanded to include a wide range of products, from groceries and household supplies to hardware and agricultural equipment. It prided itself on being a one-stop shop for the residents of Garden City.

In recent years, the store embraced the digital age and introduced online ordering and delivery services to stay competitive and accommodate the changing shopping habits of its customers. However, it has managed to retain its charming, old-fashioned appeal, with its original storefront and friendly staff maintaining the welcoming atmosphere that has defined it for more than a century.

The history of the Garden City General Store is a testament to the power of community, entrepreneurship, and adaptability. It has withstood the test of time, providing a sense of familiarity and convenience to the people of Garden City, Louisiana.