Since 1860, Cataract General Store Has Been A Community Cornerstone In Small-Town Spencer, Indiana
By Sarah McCosham|Published March 20, 2024
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Sarah McCosham
Author
I write like it's my job - because it is! I have a Master's in English and love words: crossword puzzles, Scrabble games, Wordle, and, of course, good, old-fashioned books.
I'm a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState, and a contributing writer at Cincinnati Magazine. I love the Great Outdoors and am endlessly awestruck by this beautiful country of ours. Coffee keeps me going, yoga keeps me sane, my kids keep me grounded, and my writing keeps me inspired.
There are certain places that not only stand the test of time, they triumph the test of time. Cataract General Store is one of those rare and magical places. The small-town general store has been serving the fine folks of Spencer, Indiana, since 1860, making it the oldest general store in the Hoosier State. It’s also one of the most beloved small businesses in Indiana, a place where generations of Hoosiers have generously supported and patronized. Superlatives aside, what makes Cataract General Store so special isn’t marketing gimmicks or a flashy social media presence; but rather, a commitment to community and customer service, to championing local businesses over big-box retailers, and to the natural beauty and historic legacy of the small town in Indiana it calls home.
Interested to learn about other unique American small businesses? Our Small Business Spotlight series highlights the often-overlooked work of small business owners across the country, from Maine to Southern California.
Spencer, Indiana, is a tiny-but-mighty town of 2,400 that's just 17 minutes from Bloomington, but feels decidedly "small-town" and old fashioned.
The town is perhaps best-known as home to Cataract Falls, the largest waterfall in Indiana by volume and largely considered the "best" and most beautiful waterfall in the state.
Cataract Falls is the titular feature of the state's Cataract Falls Recreation Area, an area that includes babbling Mill Creek and the charming and historic Cataract Falls Covered Bridge.
A place that's truly the sum of its parts, this destination is teeming with natural beauty and whimsy -- two descriptors that could easily be said of Spencer, Indiana, as well.
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Because nestled in this sleepy little town, you'll find Cataract General Store, the oldest general store in Indiana, and arguably the most charming, too!
This general store opened its doors in 1860, making it nearly 165 years old. "This store was built the year Abraham Lincoln was elected," say owners Scott and Catherine Kuntz. "The walls have absorbed departures and returns of soldiers since the Civil War. They have seen over 16 decades of tears, joys, celebrations, gossip, developing news, births, and deaths. If only walls could talk!"
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To fully understand the story of this store, a little history lesson is in order. "At one time, Cataract was a small but thriving village, having a doctor, two blacksmith shops, three stores, a number business, grist mill, horse track, and a resort at Cataract Falls that included cabins and an inn with dining and a bandstand with swimming and fishing at the Lower Falls," explain the owners.
They continue that "a spur of the Monon Railroad brought visitors" to the area, but wen automobiles boomed and passenger trains declined, most of these small towns slowly dried up.
In Cataract, Indiana, however, the falls brought in enough traffic to keep the store afloat, and over the years, it established itself a community cornerstone of Spencer, Indiana.
"We live a few doors down from the store and went there often," say the Kuntzes, who became friends with owners Wayne and Karen Snyder. "After Wayne passed, Karen ran the store alone until she decided to retire. We had no plan of buying it, but hoped someone would [buy it] and save the building before it became too dilapidated to repair."
When Snyder decided to auction the property, the Kuntzes went to the auction "just being nosy. When we learned none of the bidders had interest in the property, nor intentions on preserving the store itself, we threw in a bid and, surprise, surprise, found ourselves to be the new owners of the oldest general store in the state!"
Taking the reigns of such a historic and beloved business was a task for which the Kuntzes found themselves surprisingly well prepared.
Having known and loved the general store for so many years, they understood the personal connections so many had to the shop. "Meeting so many customers who have also become dear friends and seeing their children grow up before our eyes... we have many multi-generational families who have memories of this store going back decades," muse the owners.
As such, it was important for the Kuntzes to maintain the historic spirit of the store, from stocking old-timey candies and retro games to keeping prices accessible and affordable.
However, the store's continued success is only possible because of the unwavering support of the community, say the owners. "The development of box chain stores changed the market for Mom & Pop stores, crushing many and leaving others scrambling to adapt. Internet business killed off many more [...] We have been lucky that the [Cataract] Falls have kept the store afloat, but we fear that the stores days are numbered -- no individually owned Mom & Pop can compete with the chain stores," they say.
The couple doesn't let fear stand in their way, though. As small business owners, the Kuntzes are certainly leaving an indelible mark on this 160-year-old store: "We turned the Depression Era, WPA-built outhouse into the Cataract Little Free Library and we hold as many community events as we can, such as Music Nights where everyone is welcome to participate or just listen," they explain.
The couple also regularly goes on "litter patrol to clean up roadside trash and litter in the park [...] and donates free native flower seeds and starts to anyone who wants them." They also make a point to donate cash or prize items to local events.
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Small businesses like Cataract General Store are an endangered species that depend on community support and dedicated patronage -- even a place as established and historic as this. So the next time you find yourself driving to Cataract Falls Recreation Area by way of Spencer, Indiana, plan to stop at this small business stalwart.
By shopping here, you're not only taking part in the store's 160+ year old story, but you're supporting a wholly wonderful and worthy small business in Indiana.
Many thanks to Scott & Catherine Kuntz, owners of Cataract General Store, for sharing the story of their longstanding Indiana shop. Learn more by visiting Cataract General Store on Facebook… or, you know, the old-fashioned way: in person at 2799 S Cataract Rd, Spencer, IN, 47460!
Of course, Cataract General Store is one of many amazing and longstanding local businesses in Indiana that’s doing great things in the state. If you have another local business you’d like to see profiled on Only In Indiana, please nominate them for a chance to be featured.
And be sure to follow Only In Indiana on Facebook and Instagram to stay to in the know about the Hoosier State’s events, restaurants, local businesses, and hidden gems!
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