Place to shop: Wildman's Civil War Surplus, Kennesaw, Georgia, United States

About this place:

Wildman's Civil War Surplus is run by self-styled racist Dent "Wildman" Myers, who was born in 1930. Meyers calls his store "The Best Little War House in Kennesaw." He sells Civil War relics, political books, medicinal herbs, posters praising defenders of the white race, Stars and Bars flags, and White Power CDs. In the back of the store is an authentic, antique Ku Klux Klan outfit--bearing blood stains--complete with a hood and a noose. Meyers admittedly hates gays, blacks, Jews, and immigrants, but he does so equally.

There is a small Civil War/White Supremacist/Weaponry museum in the back of the shop. It is guarded by a sign that reads, "NO Dogs, NO Blacks, NO Mexicans"...but "NO Dogs" has been crossed out and re-written, "Dogs OK."

Meyers is also the most visible and vocal proponent of a 1982 ordinance requiring the head of every household in Kennesaw to own and maintain a gun. It's earned Kennesaw the nickname "Gun Town USA." Many of its 11,000 residents ignore the law, but Meyers has a loaded .45 holstered on each hip at all times.

Wildman's has been in the same location for over 35 years. To the chagrin of most Kennesaw residents, however, that location is right in the heart of downtown Main St. Across from City Hall and the City's Civil War and Train Museum...Wildman's location may appear as though Kennesaw natives endorse his shop and way of life. However, ask any local about Meyers and he usually illicites eye rolls and a nonchalant, "That's guys CRAZY!..." It's peculiar then, that in fact, Meyers has become a bizarre sort of tourist attraction and identifiable figure for the town. The Whistle Stop Cafe next door to Myer's shop offers excellent southern home-coooking, and gets a steady stream of Wildman's visitors.

TIPS:

- Don't wear white or sandals, and if you're Asthmatic--enter at your own risk. Widman's is filthy. A thick grey layer of dust and dirt covers EVERYTHING crammed into the tiny space.

- Which brings me to my next tip: The tiny path cut through the clutter allows little room for mistakes. Things are stacked high and precariously, so best not to touch--ask Mr. Myers to get it for you. There are even huge timbers supporting the ceiling towards the back of the store...for obvious reason...don't lean on anything.

- Be courteous and polite. If you want to photograph, make it known you have a camera when entering. Chat him up for a while...he has some stories, I tell ya. Ask for a portrait of him...same rules as if you were photographing any stranger.

- The store is VERY poorly lit. A few hanging, flickering fluorescent lights only add to the ominous vibe of the place...and danger for a klutz like me. Tread carefully. :)

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Wildman's Civil War Surplus
http://www.wildmans-civilwar-surplus.com/
2879 South Main St.
Kennesaw, GA. 30144
Tel: 770-422-1785