“Top’s Market” has not always been “Top’s Market”.
It had several different names thru the years, was built in 1960 and was originally called “Crestwood 7-11″. As the 1964 picture depicts it was very different from today’s market. It had two roll-up overhead doors and a center walk-in door, with a wooden front. All were open if the store was open. So you pretty much froze in the winter and cooked in the summer. The parking lot was dirt, so when a car pulled up in front of the store, the wind caused by the car swept dust into the store. It was not ideal to say the least, but it was all that was available and the people of Lake O’ The Pines loved it and used it. There was also gas pumps at that time. The tanks leaked and were pulled out sometime in the 1990s.
Today’s “Top’s Market”, the parking lot today is concrete and asphalt, basicly eleminating almost all dust. As you can see the market has had the front completely remodeled and modernized with brick, large double pane tinted windows and double glass entry and exit doors. An adult game room has been added, as has many ice machines and a purified water machine. A propane tank has also been installed out front to service the propane needs of lake residents and visitors alike.
“Top’s Market” is named after one of its new owners. “Top” Ron Plumlee, Sr. is a 30 year retired Airborne/Force Recon United States Marine Master (“Top”) Sergeant, hence the name “Top’s Market”. “Top’s” wife of 43 plus years is Linnay and co-owner. They are an awesome team, along with Dee Johnson their manager, plus part-time employees as needed.