Our History
Discover the Charm of End of the Commons General Store in Mesopotamia, Ohio
Ken and Margaret Schaden, along with their 11 children, proudly own and operate the historic End of the Commons General Store, located at the intersection of State Routes 87 and 534 in Mesopotamia, Ohio, just 6 miles east of Middlefield. Established in 1840, this iconic general store has been serving the community for over 170 years, making it Ohio’s oldest general store and a cherished destination for locals and visitors alike.
A Family Legacy Rooted in Community and Tradition
After years in corporate sales planning, Ken and Margaret found their dream in Mesopotamia. As long-time customers of the store, where they once bought groceries, penny candy, and milk for their large family, the Schadens embraced the opportunity to purchase and preserve this historic gem. Their vision was simple: to serve their neighborhood while creating a business where their entire family could work together.
Bulk Goods for the Amish Community
Recognizing the needs of the local Amish community, the Schadens began offering bulk products at affordable prices. While clearing out the store’s back rooms to make space for these new offerings, they discovered an incredible collection of historic items. These included vintage cash registers, scales, dry goods, needle boxes, and even canned goods dating back to the 19th century.
A Step Back in Time
Visitors to End of the Commons General Store are treated to a nostalgic journey through time. The store is filled with historic memorabilia, including a barber chair, a player piano, old clothes, shoes, and even a post office setup. Outside, on sunny afternoons, guests can admire the Schaden family’s antique car collection, which features gems like a 1916 Depot Hack and a 1957 Plymouth Belvedere.
Unique Products and Nostalgic Treats
Inside the store, shelves are lined with penny candy that truly costs a penny, over 150 varieties of glass bottle soda, Amish meats and cheeses, homemade fudge, hand-dipped ice cream, and hard-to-find kitchen gadgets. It’s a treasure trove for those looking to fill Easter baskets, shop for seasonal holidays, or find ingredients for home baking. Bakers love the selection of specialty flours, including rice, potato, rye, and semolina flour, alongside wheat gluten for bread-making.
An Expanded Experience: The Commons Café
In 2010, the Schadens expanded the store by 5,000 square feet, seamlessly connecting their 1940s-era gas station and hardware store with the 1840 general store. This addition brought new products and introduced the Commons Café, which serves delicious lunch and dinner daily.
Plan Your Visit to End of the Commons General Store
Take a step back in time and experience the unique charm of End of the Commons General Store. Located in the quiet surroundings of Amish Country, the store offers a slower pace and a delightful blend of history, nostalgia, and unique shopping. Whether you’re looking for vintage treasures, delicious treats, or a memorable day trip, this historic general store is a must-visit destination.
Here is a neat little video that we took of this young Amish woman making our hand made brooms. She does a great job and we sell both a house broom and a heavy-duty broom.
Our train makes no stops at the store, but there are so many collectibles to see on the walls as the train rolls down the track, you'll never be bored.
End of the Commons General Store has been serving the community since 1840 and has been continuously run as a general store ever since! End of the Commons is located in the heart of Amish country in Mesopotamia, Ohio.
Watch our videos, or learn more about what's around our store, to make your visit more fun. Click Here!