IN THE historic and charming town of Monteagle stands an old quaint stucco building that had been a witness to many generations. This building, built in 1939 by Raymond and Hazel Sanders, was initially called “Sanders Grocery.”
It was more than just a grocery store; it was a place where people gathered to share stories, laughter, and friendship.
The large main room served as a general store that customers perused for all the necessities of mountain life, while the rest of the building served as the Sanders’ family home.
Time passed, and the store’s ownership changed hands within the family. From Hazel’s brother and his wife to a close cousin, the building remained a symbol of family unity and tradition.
The grocery store eventually closed its doors as the years passed, and the building became a simple residence. The quiet hum of everyday life replaced the once lively marketplace.
During this time, Mrs. Mooney, a relative of the original owners, moved into the house.
Mrs. Mooney was a gentle soul with a passion for growing African violets. People from all over would visit Mrs. Mooney to admire her vibrant blooms and purchase a piece of her cherished collection.
Mr. Mooney grew a big garden out back and sold his produce. He also did lawnmower repair.
From the bustling marketplace of Sanders Grocery to the tranquil residence of Mr. and Mrs. Mooney and her African violets, it remains a constant presence in the community.
The scent of African violets still wafts through the air, and the legacy of the building continues, passed down through generations of women, each leaving their mark on its storied history
Store owner Joan Thomas kept the name “Mooney’s” to preserve and commemorate the historic Mooney family home it once was.
“Locally, everybody knew this as the ‘Mooney Place.’ And I couldn’t think of anything else to call it, so I went to visit them and asked them how they felt about it. And they were fine with it.”
Thomas worked with her husband in a contracting business for 16 years, where she developed a love for restoring old buildings.
“The contracting business I worked with my husband was restoring old buildings. It was a historical restoration. So I had a love and appreciation for old buildings. But I also have a love and appreciation for this community. And this building had been a part of our community for so long, with the Mooneys living here, so I couldn’t bear just to let it go.”
During her transition from the contracting business, she broke her leg and spent six months recovering. At that time, she reflected on life and received help from the community. After this experience, she was inspired to give back to the community and opened Mooney’s Market Emporium.
Thomas renovated the building years ago and maintained the store’s charm and historical aspects while adding her personal touch.
She said, “By the time I finished all that, I knew what would be in every room, and I knew I had to do it. I just did everything that I knew and the things that I loved in my life. And I added things that would really help the planet and the community. So that was all my motivation.”
Enter Mooney’s Market Emporium, and the amazing aroma of essential oils and incense immediately envelops your senses. You walk in, and you’re immediately greeted by the Natural Foods Grocery collector’s items, antiques, memorabilia, and, more specifically, a large picture on the wall of Raymond and Hazel Sanders standing behind the counter of the original store in the 1940s.
You’re transported into your grandmother’s backyard when you enter this
wholistic haven.
Along with local, organic, and natural foods, crystals and wind chimes adorn the store’s front room.
Upon entering, find natural supplements, alternative medicines, essential oils, local produce, Amish goods, locally roasted coffee, and Manchester honey. Explore the hallway for greeting cards, candles, incense, books, T-shirts, and Solmate socks.
Venture into the Pink Room for antique furniture and consignment items or the Green Room to admire locally crafted pottery and knitted creations. Turn right to visit the Yarn Shop, featuring highend natural fiber yarns and knitting and crocheting supplies. Next door, the Plant Room offers house plants, potting soils, and garden tools. Step outside to find flower pots, compost, organic gardening supplies, and sunflower seeds for birds.
Experience a one-stop shop for health food and unique, hard-to-find items.
“It’s me, sharing me with the community. This is who I am. And I know there’s a lot more of us (hippies) out there. And it’s just really important for me to anchor this alternative lifestyle, to have something for all of us who embrace it and live this way,” Thomas said. GN
