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It
seems that a lot of businesses nowadays enjoy touting themselves
as being locally owned and operated – but few can brag that they
are locally owned, operated, and have been in business for 125 years
with only one brief interruption. The owners of Moravia Store can
proudly make that claim.
Aptly named after the
community where it is located, about 14 miles north of Hallettsville
on FM 957, Moravia Store has been in existence on the same spot
for 125 years, and there was a celebration on Saturday (May 10,
2014) at the store to honor that anniversary.
Owners Franklin and Henrietta Filip made the event special by joining
with the South Texas Wheel Spinners & Crank Twisters to put on a
tractor show that featured some rare antique machines as well as
many that are still in use today.
And it just
wouldn’t be a party in Moravia unless some good Czech music was
in play. Live tunes were provided by Chris Rybak in the afternoon
– Mark Halata and Texavia performed later in the day.
To understand
why this 125th anniversary was something special to celebrate, it’s
important to know a little about the history of Moravia Store –
that history goes back nearly to the beginning of the community
itself.
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| The two-story
Moravia Store |
Moravia
was founded in 1881 after Ignac Jalufka and Jakob Hollub brought their
families to this part of Lavaca County. Information found on the
historical marker near the store indicates that the first buildings
in the community were a cotton gin, blacksmith shop, and a school.
In 1889 Jalufka constructed a two-story building to house a saloon
and grocery store – the second floor served as a dancehall. From 1891
to 1900, the building also functioned as the local post office. That
structure is what is known today as Moravia Store.
Over the years, changes were made to the original building. Around
1930, the second floor was torn down leaving the one-story Moravia
General Store. |
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It’s
interesting to learn how the store changed hands up until the time
Henrietta Filip purchased it. After Ignac Jalufka died, the business
was inherited by Agnes Jalufka. She sold the store to Annie Chromcak
and Lillian Blahuta. Chromcak eventually sold her part to Lillian
and Frank Blahuta. Moravia Store stayed in the Blahuta family until
1996 when it was purchased by Henrietta.
The store has only ceased to operate one time in 125 years. It was
closed from 1990 to 1996.
When asked why she wanted to purchase the old store, Henrietta replied,
“I used to come here with my Daddy when I was a little girl and I
just hated seeing it closed, so I bought it.” |
L to R - Keith
Pilat, Henrietta and Franklin Filip.
Photo courtesy Murray Montgomery |
It’s very apparent
that the operation of this business is a labor of love for Henrietta
and her husband Franklin. Moravia Store is indeed family owned and
operated. Their nephew, Keith Pilat, helps with the daily operation.
“Keith is a big help to us,” said Franklin. “He does a good job.”
When they have special events such as the 125th year celebration,
family members and friends pitch in to help. There’s absolutely no
doubt that Moravia Store is a family operation through and through. |
Moravia Store
dancehall
Photo courtesy Murray Montgomery |
| "One of
the Oldest Country Stores in Texas" |
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Henrietta said
that they are trying to get to a point where they can have bands
performing once or twice a month. The best way to keep up with their
schedule is to watch their Facebook page or just give them a call
at 979-562-2217.
The store is open every day except Tuesday and Sunday. They will
open, however, for special events on Sunday but they are positively
closed on Tuesday. Henrietta said the store can also be booked for
weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, birthday parties, and anniversaries.
As for dining:
“We have food on Friday and Saturday; hamburgers, cheeseburgers,
fries, and onion rings,” said Henrietta. “We only have a small kitchen
so that’s all we serve.”
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Moravia Store
sign
Photo courtesy Murray Montgomery |
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The old store
at Moravia
is an icon of Lavaca County and a tribute to the first pioneer families
who came here. They were people who took pride in their community
and that sense of pride lives on in their descendants.
Henrietta summed it up perfectly when she proudly stated, “We were
all born and raised here. We are Moravia!”
© Murray
Montgomery
Lone
Star Diary May 19, 2014 column
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