Û Shaw's Block

Our tour begins with a tinted postcard of the historic Shaw's Block at the northeast corner of Main and Huber. Construction began in 1868 and the building was dedicated December 29, 1871. Like many of the buildings on Main Street, it was built by Colonel William T. Shaw. (Three years seems a long time to erect a building, even in those days. Does anyone know the story of the construction of this building and why it took so long?)

Tenants have included: attorneys Stacy & Remley (1871); James A. Palmer, Insurance Agent; Shaw & Scoonover Bank; Chancey & Son; L. D. Gale; and Crispin and Hartman; The Town Crier; David Cleaners. The first floor often accomodated a grocery store: Matson & Higby; Matson & Shaw; Shaw and Dutton (at the time this photo was taken, pre-1909); Mills & Holtman; Jack & Jill (Jesse and Laura Conrad); Gordon's Grocery.

The county offices and court room occupied the west corner of the building from 1874 until the courthouse was built in 1937.