By Cathy Higgins
STOCKTON, Ala. — North Baldwin County could soon have a new tourist attraction, in the form of a history museum.
The Stockton Heritage Association has announced that it recently received a white, wooden building in downtown Stockton, as a donation from the Cox family.
According to Stockton Heritage Association Secretary Georgene Conner, the structure that was built by Fred Bryars in the mid-1890’s in the north Baldwin County town has historic significance.
“In 1895, it was used as a general mercantile and a post office,” she said over the phone, explaining that Bryars ran the store and served as post master for the location.
According to a history of the building provided by the Stockton Heritage Association, Bryars’ widow sold the structure to her nephew, Dugald Crosby, in 1912. He then took over the post office and changed the store’s name to D. Crosby Mercantile Co.
The history stated that six years later, Y.A. Cox and a partner took over the business, which remained a mercantile and post office until 1971. According to Conner, the store’s closure in 1971 didn’t lead to the building’s disrepair, as can often be the case.
“It was used as a town hall,” she said, explaining that during that time the building was maintained by its owners, the Cox family.
Now that the Stockton Heritage Association has the building, plans are under way to make use of its historic value, with such possibilities as a museum or welcome center.
“We’re writing grants, and we have a lot of ideas,” Conner said.
