This original version of this story first appeared in Volume 1, Issue 2 of the Owensboro Times quarterly newspaper.
On opposite ends of Main Street, two family-run businesses are quietly anchoring the heart of Whitesville — one just getting started, the other holding strong after more than five decades.
Royal-Lampkin Feed and Farm Supply, located at 9950 Main Street, officially opened on April 7. It’s a new venture by Caleb and Brooklyn Royal alongside her parents Rob and Jenny Lampkin. Nestled in the former firehouse, the shop offers everything from livestock feed and fencing supplies to garden seeds and post-hole diggers — even farm fresh eggs and bee traps.
“It’s been very steady so far,” Brooklyn Royal said. “The community has shown a lot of support and given us great feedback. People really appreciate the convenience.”
The store features a full drive-thru bay, allowing customers to load up without leaving their vehicle — a welcome change from the long drive to Owensboro for basic farm needs. The owners also offer delivery and special ordering.
“If we don’t have it, and you tell us what you need, we’ll try to get it here as fast as we can — and keep it in stock if you need it regularly,” said Royal.
Rob Lampkin said the idea was born out of a desire to serve their families and neighbors.
“We’re building this for the long haul,” he said. “Hopefully it’ll be something my kids and grandkids can keep going one day.”
Just down the street, Whitesville Florist at 10100 Main Street has been quietly blooming since the mid-1970s. Owner Joyce Phegley bought the shop in 1976 and has been serving the region ever since.
“We’ve been here over 50 years now,” she said. “We’ve had people come and go, but the community has always supported us.”
Originally located across from the IGA in a small strip building, the florist later moved into what was once the Whitesville Bank building. The building itself dates back to the 19th century. The former vault now serves as a cooler for the fresh-cut flowers.
Over the years, the business has adapted, shifting from dried flowers and plants to silk arrangements and full-scale custom floral design.
“It’s mostly customized,” Phegley said. “We do a lot of funeral work, school events, birthdays, anniversaries — really, anything someone can think of.”
Whitesville Florist offers delivery throughout the region, including Beaver Dam, Owensboro, and beyond.
“We probably deliver to Owensboro every day,” said April Murphy, Phegley’s daughter. “And even with delivery, we can still often beat the big shops’ prices.”
Despite the scale of the operation, the florist remains a tight-knit affair. Phegley works most days with help from family members, maintaining a personable atmosphere that customers appreciate.
“We get to know our regulars. We know their families. It’s a small town — you know everybody,” Phegley said. “That’s what I enjoy most.”
Adding to the renewed energy in downtown Whitesville, the Whitesville Historical Society is bringing food and fun to Main Street with its summer food truck series. Each Thursday from 4-7 p.m. through August, a different truck will park downtown for community members to enjoy.
The schedule for the rest of the month includes J’s Good Grub on June 12, Hillbilly’s BBQ on June 19, and Juan’s on June 25.
While one business looks toward building a legacy, and the other reflects on decades of serving the community, both share the same spirit — rooted in faith, family, and service.
“There’s not many hometown places left,” Lampkin said. “We’re proud to be one of them.”
