Relive childhood nostalgia with a visit to Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile Store, Louisiana’s oldest general store in downtown Natchitoches. Kaffie-Frederick isn’t just any old store. Nope, it’s a local legend, loved by folks near and far. It’s like a time capsule of nostalgia and one of my favorite old-fashioned general stores in the US!
Keep reading to see why it’s a must-visit destination in Natchitoches.
From Peddling to Prosperity
In 1863, two immigrant brothers, Adolph and Harris Kaffie, decided to turn their successful peddling business into a storefront, selling all sorts of stuff for farms and homes. The store took off and survived not just one but two World Wars and even the Great Depression.
Fast forward to today, when Sydney and Luke Frederick, the fourth-generation brothers, are rocking the business. Oh, and let’s not forget Luke’s better half, Lori – she’s part of the dream team too!
Keeping Tradition Alive
Though plenty has changed over the years—there used to be a wall between the men’s hardware and the women’s housewares sections—much has not.
When asked if things get rearranged much, Sydney Frederick answered without hesitation. “Items are staying where they are. They’re not moving; they’re not moving.”
The store’s most popular items are in the hardware section—keys, nails, shovels, plumbing supplies, broomsticks, and replacement handles. Fun Fact: Lowe’s tried to compete with this cherished institution by opening a store in town, but they eventually closed it, unable to match its appeal.
Nostalgia and Necessities
Other than hardware, cast iron skillets, Dutch ovens, and marbles are the top-selling items. Sydney said, “We sell a ton of marbles. People play marbles, and they also display them.”
I couldn’t resist checking out the marbles myself to see what the big deal was, and I have to say, the appeal is timeless. The nostalgia of the game and the beautiful designs… yep, I get it.
Guess who went home with some marbles?
Preserving History
Kaffie-Frederick is as much a museum as a general mercantile. The store displays vintage goods, toys, and photos from yesteryear above the bins and shelves full of hardware, kitchen supplies, classic toys, and gifts currently for sale.
Look up! Before electricity, the skylights in the front and back provided the only natural light source. And guess what? The second-floor ceiling? It was crafted entirely of glass to let that precious light flood in.
Head to the back of the store and keep an eye out for the vintage cotton bale scale. Back in the day, Kaffie-Frederick was a major cotton broker, spanning from the 1880s right through to the mid-20th century. They collected cotton from local farmers and sold it to textile mill buyers.
Antique Cash Registers
Finally, don’t forget to buy something to experience one of the original hand-cranked cash registers still in use. They’re truly marvelous!
Final Thoughts
Step into the Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile Store, and you’ll find a blend of vintage charm and modern essentials. It’s a definite must-see when you’re exploring Natchitoches and Central Louisiana.
Can’t swing by in person just yet? No worries! They’ve got you covered with mail-order options upon request. Maybe it’s time to stock up on some marbles…
Kaffie-Frederick General Mercantile Store
758 Front Street, Natchitoches LA
Hours: Mon-Sat
Website
Comments & Reviews
Thank you for such a nice article! We are happy that you enjoyed your visit. Luke Frederick