Karen Dillon

Karen writes about the people and places of Smith Mountain Lake in "Shorelines," published bi-weekly.

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Karen Dillon | Roanoke Times

One room in the Rucker House Merchantile is devoted to holiday decorations.

When I told Moneta native Ben Martin that I was going to visit the house that once belonged to the late Dr. Sam Rucker, his eyes widened. Martin recalled his childhood visits to the place that was once used as a residence and office by the area's most famous doctor. Patients would sit in their cars waiting for Rucker to treat them. "He'd stick his head out of his office door and yell, 'Next if you're sick,' " said Martin.

Today, Rucker's home has been converted into a gift shop, suitably named Rucker House Mercantile, and is owned by lake residents Mindy and Bruce Dowdy. By opening their gift shop in Rucker's former home, the Dowdys believe they're preserving a part of history while contributing to the community's economic growth.

"We want to provide a service to the community," said Mindy Dowdy. "But I also think preserving the home's historical value is very important."

Mindy Dowdy caught the bug to run her own store after working in her parents' country store when she was a teenager. "We sold all sorts of things. I loved being there and I always said I wanted to do it again," she said.

The same punch-button cash register Mindy Dowdy operated in her parents' store now sits in the foyer of Rucker House Mercantile. "She can still work it, too," Bruce Dowdy said of his wife.

The Dowdys bought the 2-acre property in October 2005 and opened the store on a trial basis in December for the holiday season. Officially, the store opened April 1 and will operate regularly through December, according to manager Jill Pryor.

The house, located across the street from Moneta Elementary School, near what was once known as downtown Moneta, has undergone a rebirth since Rucker lived there. Garden sculptures and lawn ornaments adorn the front of the home, which is now painted light beige. Inside, five themed rooms display a variety of unique, useful and whimsical items. One room features all things nautical, another displays wildlife and wooden creations, while another is devoted solely to Christmas decorations.

In the kitchen area, various mixes for drinks, soups, salsa and grilling, sit atop the counters and on glass shelves. Adorning the kitchen windows are colorful, handcrafted silk flower wreaths made by Mindy Dowdy's daughter Amie Coley.

"We also have Jeff Foxworthy T-shirts, which you're not supposed to be able to find anywhere in Virginia," added Pryor, pointing to an area in the kitchen, where several T-shirts were hanging.

The store's upper level features an art gallery with paintings and photography by local artists.

Many of the items throughout Rucker House Mercantile are made by local crafters, including Pryor, who makes decorative plates and glass accent lamps. Pryor met the Dowdys when they approached her about selling her wares at the store.

In an effort to showcase local artists even more, Rucker House Mercantile features Artisans on the Lawn from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. the first Saturday of every month from April to September. Pryor said this gives area crafters a chance to demonstrate their talents. "It varies among different artists and it's growing," she added.

Also growing are the ideas the Dowdys and Pryor have for the store. Beginning next month, they will offer lunch items, including hot dogs, homemade soup and Mindy Dowdy's secret family recipe chili. Bruce Dowdy points to an old boat sitting in the side yard that will be converted into "Santa's ship," complete with Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer on the bough. He plans to restore Rucker's old office, too.

"The office is being restored to its original state including the brown paper bags that sat on the floor which contained a variety of pills, and the old medicine bottles found on the property will be put back on the wall shelves of the office," Bruce Dowdy said. "Other restoration items will include a small wood stove, wooden chair and a porcelain sink, which Dr. Sam washed his hands in and used as a spit bowl."

Mindy Dowdy said she's spoken with many people such as Martin, who were once Rucker's patients. They've told her they're glad to see new life being breathed into an old landmark.

"Many of the older folks come in and the stories they could tell you are just wonderful," she said.

Rucker House Mercantile, located at 4969 Rucker Road in Moneta, is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. April through December. Call (540) 297-4122.