Built in 1911, this abandoned and forlorn structure served as a general store and as the Steeles Tavern post office. Today it lies by the side of the road like a worn out shoe. Speaking of shoes, at one time a Mr. Deaver, a cobbler, ran a shoe repair business business out of the back room.
6561 Lee Jackson Hwy, Raphine, VA 24472
Town History
The community in which this abandoned building is situated was originally called Midway. Another town, however, of the same name existed in Virginia. To avoid confusion, mail then began to be addressed to the local tavern, “In care of Steeles Tavern.” The log tavern was run by David Steele. A colorful character in his own right, Mr. Steele was known for his disfiguring facial scar and silver plate in his skull, both remembrances from his part in the Revolutionary War Battle of Guilford. When his son, John Steele, became the area’s first postmaster in 1825, the post office was officially named Steeles Tavern.
Building History
In addition to Steeles Tavern (the pub), there were two stores in the village. One store was owned by Mr. William Hopkins who married John Steele’s daughter, Mary. The business thrived until the Yankees came through town and destroyed all of Hopkins merchandise and much of his property. He was not able to recover financially from the loss and moved west with members of his family, some settling in Phoenix, Arizona.
The building we now see was built on the land of the old store on what was then called The Great Road. Marryatte Steele, a descendant of the original Steele Tavern owners, operated the business for several decades. Mr. Deaver’s cobbler shop rented out a space in the building. You can see the wood counter and built-in storage shelves of the cobbler shop below.
