St. Augustine Oldest Store Museum Experience

The St. Augustine Oldest Store Museum offers a one-of-a-kind experience, transporting visitors back to the early 1900s. Guests can explore authentic displays showcasing the unique consumerism of the era, from corsets to a goat-powered washing machine. Guided by the knowledgeable Mr. C.F. Hamblen, the museum provides captivating tours that highlight the peculiar inventions and innovations of the time. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply curious about the past, this museum promises to pique your interest and leave you wanting more.

Good To Know

• The St. Augustine Oldest Store Museum provides a unique immersive experience, transporting visitors to the early 1900s through exhibits and live demonstrations.
• The museum’s focus is on showcasing the consumer needs and products of the early 20th century, including corsets, collars, and antique corn shellers.
• Guided tours by the proprietor, Mr. C.F. Hamblen, offer deeper historical insights into the evolving consumer landscape and unique inventions of the era.
• The museum’s admission price starts at $15.96 per person, with a "Reserve now & pay later" booking option and free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.
• The museum boasts a 4.8/5 rating based on customer reviews, with visitors praising the engaging presentations, knowledgeable staff, and the authentic displays that transport them back in time.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The St. Augustine Oldest Store Museum offers a unique historical experience for visitors. The price starts at $15.96 per person, and the booking is flexible with a "Reserve now & pay later" option.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The museum resembles a 1908 Sears Roebuck catalogue, allowing visitors to step back in time and explore early 1900s consumerism.

Stepping back in time, the museum resembles a 1908 Sears Roebuck catalogue, offering a glimpse into early 1900s consumerism.

Demonstrations showcase inventions for turn-of-the-century living, including steam-driven tractors and a goat-powered washing machine, providing a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Museum Experience

Stepping into the St. Augustine Oldest Store Museum is like stepping back in time to the early 1900s.

The museum is designed to resemble a 1908 Sears Roebuck catalogue, with unique displays showcasing the consumer needs of the era. Visitors can watch demonstrations of steam-driven tractors and a goat-powered washing machine, marveling at the ingenuity of the past.

The museum’s focus is on the consumer experience, with exhibits featuring corsets, collars, and corn shellers.

The proprietor, Mr. C.F. Hamblen, provides guided tours, sharing historical insights and entertaining visitors with his knowledge of turn-of-the-century living.

Historical Insights

While the museum’s exhibits focus on the consumer needs of the early 1900s, they also provide historical insights into the era.

Visitors can explore corsets for ladies, collars for men, and demonstrations of antique corn shellers. The museum highlights the peculiar products of the time, from worm syrup to tonics, offering a glimpse into the consumer landscape of the early 20th century.

Guided by the knowledgeable proprietor, Mr. C.F. Hamblen, guests gain a deeper understanding of the evolving consumer needs and the unique inventions that catered to them during this period.

Visitor Information

Visitors can find the St. Augustine Oldest Store Museum located at 167 San Marco Ave, St. Augustine, FL 32084.

Guests are encouraged to bring cash to fully enjoy the early 1900s shopping experience. However, pets, smoking, alcohol, and drugs aren’t allowed on the premises.

The unique museum resembles a 1908 Sears Roebuck catalogue, offering a step back in time to explore the consumer needs and products of that era.

Guided tours by the proprietor, Mr. C.F. Hamblen, provide engaging historical insights and demonstrations of inventions for turn-of-the-century living.

More Great Tours Nearby

Customer Reviews

The St. Augustine Oldest Store Museum has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from visitors. Based on 5 reviews, the museum boasts an impressive 4.8/5 rating.

Guests consistently praise the engaging presentations and well-informed staff, who enhance the overall experience. Visitors find the guided tours entertaining and informative, providing a unique glimpse into early 20th-century consumerism.

The museum’s ability to transport guests back in time through its authentic displays and demonstrations is a highlight for many.

Exploring Early 1900s Consumerism

As visitors step into the St. Augustine Oldest Store Museum, they’re transported back to the early 1900s.

The museum’s unique design, modeled after a 1908 Sears Roebuck catalogue, showcases the consumer needs and innovations of that era. Visitors can watch live demonstrations, including the use of a steam-driven tractor and a goat-powered washing machine.

Exhibits feature products ranging from worm syrup to corsets and collars, providing a fascinating glimpse into the consumer landscape of the time.

The knowledgeable proprietor, Mr. C.F. Hamblen, guides visitors through this immersive experience of early 20th-century consumerism.

Witnessing Unique Demonstrations

Throughout the museum, visitors can witness unique demonstrations that bring the consumer experiences of the early 1900s to life.

Clerks showcase inventions for turn-of-the-century living, including a steam-driven tractor and a goat-powered washing machine. Demonstrations offer an engaging glimpse into the consumer needs and technologies of the time, from corsets and collars to corn shellers.

The proprietor, Mr. C.F. Hamblen, provides guided tours, offering historical insights and bringing the exhibitions to life with his entertaining and informative presentations.

Guided Tours by Mr. C.F. Hamblen

Guiding visitors through the museum, Mr. C.F. Hamblen provides an insightful tour. He offers:

1. Historical context on the store’s origins and evolution as a local institution.

2. Engaging explanations of the unique exhibits, including the steam-driven tractors and goat-powered washing machine.

3. Connections between consumer needs in the early 1900s and the inventions showcased, such as worm syrup and tonics.

4. Personalized anecdotes that bring the museum’s history to life, enhancing the overall experience.

With his deep knowledge and enthusiastic delivery, Mr. Hamblen’s guided tours elevate the museum visit, offering a captivating journey through the past.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Gift Shop or Souvenir Store On-Site?

Yes, the museum has a gift shop on-site where visitors can purchase souvenirs and merchandise related to the historical experience. The gift shop offers a range of items to commemorate the visit.

Are There Any Interactive Exhibits or Hands-On Activities?

Yes, the museum offers interactive exhibits and hands-on activities. Visitors can watch demonstrations of turn-of-the-century inventions like a steam-driven tractor and a goat-powered washing machine, providing an engaging, immersive experience.

How Long Does the Typical Visit to the Museum Last?

The typical visit to the museum lasts around 1-2 hours, as visitors can explore the unique exhibits, watch demonstrations, and engage with the knowledgeable staff who bring the turn-of-the-century consumerism to life.

Are There Any Discounts or Special Offers Available?

Flexible booking options include a "Reserve now & pay later" option. Plus, visitors can enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. No special discounts are currently mentioned.

Can I Take Photographs or Videos During the Museum Tour?

Visitors can take photographs and videos during the museum tour, as long as they don’t disrupt the presentations or interact with the exhibits. Flash photography may be prohibited in some areas to protect the historical artifacts.

The Sum Up

The St. Augustine Oldest Store Museum offers a captivating glimpse into early 1900s consumerism. Visitors can enjoy the past, exploring unique displays and witnessing engaging demonstrations. Guided by the knowledgeable Mr. C.F. Hamblen, the museum provides insightful tours that highlight the peculiar inventions of the time, making it a fascinating destination for history enthusiasts.

You can check availability for your dates here: