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Specialties
This historic shop offers visitors a unique opportunity to purchase distinctive merchandise from tradesmen, craftsmen, and select vendors. The adjacent Garden Shop offers many of the same varieties of plants as those found growing in Old Salem’s beautiful and productive gardens.
History
Established in 1950.
Originally constructed in 1775 and restored in1955, T. Bagge Merchant was built as a store to serve the whole community. The building had been converted into a residence by the early 20th century with a raised roof and restyled. Built of rubble stone but covered in flat stucco with false joints, it again appears as if it were made from cut stone. T. Bagge: Merchant is still the ‘community store,’ but now for Old Salem Museums & Gardens.
Meet the Business Owner
Traugott B.
Business Owner
As manager of the Gemein or church-owned store, Traugott Bagge maintained a balance in imports and exports and kept the books in order and the accounts financially sound. Although he was apparently a choleric individual at times (he was constantly at odds with his apprentices), his excellent business sense and training made the store a success. He operated the store until his death.
By 1793, Bagge was the leading layman in financial matters in Wachovia. His mercantile policies resulted in a vast trading network including the whole eastern part of the country from New England to Georgia, as well as trade with several European countries. During the Revolution he acted as an important supplier for the Continental forces.
