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Abstract
A multifunctionality analysis of built environments within rural landscapes can deepen understanding of how contemporary rural places function. There is an urgent need for this knowledge as small towns in the United States lose socio‐economic infrastructure resulting from restructuring, demographic change, and the centralization of services. This qualitative and exploratory study of country stores in rural Vermont finds that stores operate as key socio‐spatial nodes within broader geographic networks. Analysis of the goods, functions, and services stores furnish reveals the reflexive relationships stores have with the physical and cultural geographies of their regions. In moments of community crisis and under certain conditions, stores exhibit hyper‐functionality. Built environments and their socio‐spatial roles in multifunctional landscapes should be included in analyses of rural community resilience.
I am grateful to Richard Watts for making me aware of the role of small stores in Vermont's political discourse several years ago. Newton Rose provided essential and sage research assistance throughout this project. Prudence Doherty kept me supplied with historical sources. Thank you to both Newt and Prue for their collegiality. Finally, I thank the storekeepers and other research participants who kindly shared their time and insights.
I am grateful to Richard Watts for making me aware of the role of small stores in Vermont's political discourse several years ago. Newton Rose provided essential and sage research assistance throughout this project. Prudence Doherty kept me supplied with historical sources. Thank you to both Newt and Prue for their collegiality. Finally, I thank the storekeepers and other research participants who kindly shared their time and insights.
Notes
I am grateful to Richard Watts for making me aware of the role of small stores in Vermont's political discourse several years ago. Newton Rose provided essential and sage research assistance throughout this project. Prudence Doherty kept me supplied with historical sources. Thank you to both Newt and Prue for their collegiality. Finally, I thank the storekeepers and other research participants who kindly shared their time and insights.
1. Extending store credit is considered an informal service because it does not involve a financial institution or interest payments. Typically, storekeepers keep a tab running for regular customers who pay their once per month or quarterly.
Additional information
Notes on contributors
Cheryl Morse
Dr. Morse is an assistant professor of geography at the University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont 05405; [[email protected]].