The Oldest General Store in Ohio: A Conversation with Tia Sponsler about the Olivesburg General Store

The oldest general store in Ohio is found right here in Ashland County, and has been serving its community for 186 years. It's more than a place to grab lunch or pick up a few groceries. It's a place where history, hospitality, creativity, and genuine human connection come together in a way that's becoming increasingly rare.

On this episode of the Ashland Connected Podcast, host Amy Daubenspeck, President of Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce talks with Tia Sponsler, owner of the Olivesburg General Store, to discuss the remarkable journey that led her to purchase and operate one of Ohio's most historic businesses.

Tia shares incredible stories from the building's nearly two centuries of history—including how it once earned the right to sell dynamite—and reflects on the unexpected moments that continually reinforced her vision for the business.

Whether you're passionate about local history, love discovering hidden gems, or simply enjoy hearing stories about people making a difference in their communities, this episode offers a refreshing reminder that businesses can become something much greater than a place to shop. Sometimes they become the heart of a community.

Takeaways

— Sometimes the biggest opportunities begin with a willingness to follow a conviction that doesn't make sense to everyone else.

— A business can preserve its history while continuing to evolve, creating new traditions without losing its identity.

— People remember places where they feel genuinely welcomed long after they forget what they purchased.

— Small, intentional acts of kindness often become the stories customers tell for years.

— At Olivesburg General Store, success isn't measured by revenue; it is measured by the strength of the community built around a business.

— Faith doesn't stay behind the scenes in Tia's life. Faith shapes the way she leads, serves customers, and makes decisions.

— In an increasingly disconnected world, people are hungry for authentic relationships and places where they feel like they belong.

Helpful Links:

Tia Sponsler, Olivesburg General Store: https://www.facebook.com/LikeOGS

Amy Daubenspeck, President, Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce: https://ashlandoh.com/

The Ashland Connected Podcast is sponsored by the Bill Harris Dealerships in Ashland, your distinctively different dealer, and the Chevy Network