The Beginning
M. B. Staples, Grocer
1814 Hull Street, Manchester, Virginia 1892-1899
In 1892, Milton B. Staples, 24, opened his first store, a bakery making and selling bread, cakes and pies, and a confectionery. There's a lot of candy-making in our family history. His bakery was both a retail and wholesale operation. He lived upstairs above the store he called M. B. Staples, Grocer. Soon after the store opened, he married Hattie Price. The announcement of their marriage names him as "a popular young merchant on Upper Hull Street." Hattie is described as "an attractive young lady and a great favorite with a large number of friends." It reads like something out of a Jimmy Stewart movie. Soon they had their first son, Julian. All three of them lived above the store. Here's a picture of Milton; we're lucky enough to have the original.
The Staples Grocery Company, 612 Hull Street,
Manchester, Virginia 1922 - 1928
When Milton Jr. created the Staples Grocery Company, he wasn't building something for nothing. His new project was primarily financed by his father, who had also funded the construction of the new building. This funding had come from within the already successful bakery, confectionery, grocery store and wholesaling business he'd built up after his move from the farm at Lunenburg county in 1888. And Milton Jr. had worked for his father since he was a teenager, and his father's business sense (and money!) was a big part of Milton Jr.'s ability to hit the ground running.
The Staples Grocery Company closed in 1943. And reopened 86 years later.
For most of Virginia's history, our small towns had their own market, a place to pick up fresh meat, eggs, milk and other grocery items, get a bite to eat, and to connect with their neighbors.
While there was something different about each place, what they had in common were deep ties to the community. Their customers were their friends, neighbors and family, and together they helped create the sense of community that make small towns what they are.
The Staples Grocery is the market in Lucketts, VA, perched on the side of Rt 15, between Leesburg and Frederick. We were founded in 1892 in Manchester, Virgina by MB Staples. "Fancy foods for honest people" was a phrase he used, and we want to measure up to those words.
In the mornings, you will see the baked goods on the counter, hear the espresso machine, and smell the omelets and waffles being prepared in the kitchen. If you have a few minutes to relax, you can sit at the counter or at a table and eat with us. If you need to be on your way, we also have prepared items that can get you on the road.
At lunchtime, freshly made sandwiches, salads and soups and are featured, along with hamburgers and other hot items.
As evening approaches, the feel changes. You can pick up dinner for the family, choose a bottle from the wine shop, and have a glass of wine or an old-fashioned at the bar while you wait. If you'd rather stay with us, have a seat in the dining room and enjoy a full menu from our kitchen.
With grocery in our name, we will always have the day-to-day items every house needs. While the stores in the big towns are nice, driving all that way to get a can of beans or a stick of butter is not fun.
Staples Grocery is in Lucketts because it is where our family lives and works. Our farm is in Lucketts, and 12 members (and counting) of our family live here. We love it and believe you will as well.
And with that, let’s move across the river.