From food to fireworks, the Shelby building’s housed both

By Charlie Hutson

LAFOLLETTE, TN (WLAF)- This week, we take a look back to August 1964. That’s when construction of the new Shelby’s Grocery Store began.

Marion and Roma Shelby built the new modern grocery store on what was once a parking lot on First Street. The grand opening for the new store was held Feb. 4, 5, 6, 1965.

One thing most folks remember about the brand new grocery store was the electric sliding doors at the front and back of the store. The door had a pressure mat on the outside and inside, and when you stepped on the mat, the door would slide open. This was a first for Lafollette.

In the image above, you can see the outside mat and the sliding door. The rear door allowed you to exit on to what was called Shelby alley, right behind the store.

Today, this building is known as the headquarters for Pyro Shows. (WLAF NEWS PUBLISHED-07/02/2026-6AM)