Yes, that’s very true of urban areas. But I’m talking about where I grew up in Aroostook County, Maine. Unless you made the trek up there back in the 40’s or 50’s, you’ve no idea what it was like. A county the size of the state of Massachusetts, but only about 65,000 people. Seperated from the central part of Maine by a 118 mile stretch of absolutely nothing but northern forest. The only access was by tortuous roads, which few people relished driving. The distribution centers for perishable food WAS up there in Presque Isle, so it all came up there by train back then. No, the rail spurs did not go up to the loading docks of the grocery stores. The only trucking of the food was from Presque Isle distribution center to the other valley towns. So, in that sense, the grocery stores (and just about all the other businesses up there) were served by rail, because they were dependant on the BAR to get the things up there so that they could be distributed by truck.
As a general thought, while grocery stores may not have been directly rail served, my home town had the classic brick grocery store right next to the tracks. The county seat had one location where the tracks ran between two grocery stores, one pretty much like the Red Owl kit while the other across the tracks was a classic early 60s stand alone market with a full set of windows across the front and metal false front. Of course those huge windows were worthless because they were always covered with hand lettered signs in butcher paper about the latest sale. But even more important in my opinion is a grocery can set both the era and location more strongly than many other items.
Until recently most grocery chains were relatively local. Winn Dixie for example says southeast. Harris Teeter puts you in the Carolinas. Community Cash – upstate SC. And the style of the building sets the era – grocery stores tried to remain current it seems to appeal to wives with money to spend.
Schools are another era setter. There seem to be basic school styles that are used around the country but only for a particular period. Schools built in the 50s/60s are very distinct from those just 10 years later.