The late Rev. Sewell Landrum was one of Breathitt County's most noted citizens. His ministry in the community of Clayhole (south of Jackson on Highway 476) made national news in the 1950s as his church grew to a huge congregation for a rural church.

This photo, taken in the summer of 1905, tells an interesting story. The store building housed the Clayhole Post Office and a general store. Customers came many miles on foot or horseback to do business here. The business belonged to Mize and Serena B. Landrum.

On the left side of the picture, Mize and Serena can be seen with their four sons: Logan, Orie, Ruby, and Sewell. Sewell is the youngest and is being held by his mother. Notice the nice long, white dress he is wearing, which was customary for little boys in those days. Standing by Mize is his older brother, Bob Landrum, the father of Marion and Earl, now of Clayhole.

The man driving the two horses is a drummer, who made his rounds about two times each year. He was selling shoes and other dry goods. In the winter time, it was very difficult to travel muddy, dirt roads. Also, Troublesome Creek and other large streams had too much deep water to ford.

The dwelling in the background was the home of the Landrums. It was also used as a boardinghouse, where travelers and workmen could find shelter. People as far away as Hindman, in Knott County, would stop here for the night. The price was 25 cents for a bed and 25 cents per meal. Their horse or mule could be housed for 25 cents.

One of their favorite customers was Hillard Smith, the father of Phil Smith. During those days, the children seldom had a bed to sleep in. They slept on the floor, so the visitors could have a bed.

The charge account books of the Landrum store are still in existence. The average sales per customer was about $1.50. The items purchased were sugar, coffee, salt, flour, soda, and baking powder. These books give a list of the families who lived in the Clayhole community at that time. A pair of men's overalls sold for $1.50; work shoes, $1.50; and coffee, 15 cents. The coffee was unground.