tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83755360697915891442024-02-18T20:02:29.874-08:00Chariton's Square DealFrank D. Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09553291415988366101noreply@blogger.comBlogger108125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375536069791589144.post-49275842282579683902022-02-23T16:11:00.000-08:002022-02-23T16:11:01.099-08:00The Perkins Apartments are on the market<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhA89Puq7MY7AALQ4rLZzVqN5SlOu72X57mAPtJPutV8iyInxjJLm5q10tVEawxr18_SIk1yFr4X_bQcpw2MZOD_U0vCGVmpfJ_6s4cyfwxuZaQmg2XWORF2am9i9L5YsgW5RFCA234Qolvggxsf7ieuMAegJAXoiPnMyjD1PvG1oGZfxcAP1Pg_fC1=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhA89Puq7MY7AALQ4rLZzVqN5SlOu72X57mAPtJPutV8iyInxjJLm5q10tVEawxr18_SIk1yFr4X_bQcpw2MZOD_U0vCGVmpfJ_6s4cyfwxuZaQmg2XWORF2am9i9L5YsgW5RFCA234Qolvggxsf7ieuMAegJAXoiPnMyjD1PvG1oGZfxcAP1Pg_fC1=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5Y6MdoeVrt1zgkm8Bor3MPnmdZoV9-mVwx7vPXiseJrfceFeSqg_rHPin2fOuRZwUG4hp1iDfY0LJfHWq2-cds4FmGQTVmouzG9rfzFEP1n8IexU5VQvXOzpxTEQppDhDnk3aaRmenOiulgev4IGAa7rnravE71iBpcNlKrbKZhYeuvctwDylLYqg=s1292" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1292" data-original-width="1000" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg5Y6MdoeVrt1zgkm8Bor3MPnmdZoV9-mVwx7vPXiseJrfceFeSqg_rHPin2fOuRZwUG4hp1iDfY0LJfHWq2-cds4FmGQTVmouzG9rfzFEP1n8IexU5VQvXOzpxTEQppDhDnk3aaRmenOiulgev4IGAa7rnravE71iBpcNlKrbKZhYeuvctwDylLYqg=s320" width="248" /></a></div>The Perkins Apartments, an endangered Chariton landmark located at 736 Lucas Ave., went on the market via Iowa Realty during February of 2022, a step forward for those who hope to save it. Although not abandoned, the building's five apartments have been unoccupied for years and the building itself, while structurally sound, is in need of reconditioning, including a new roof.<div><br /></div><div><a href="https://chariton.iowarealty.com/commercial/int/cs331/736-lucas-avenue-chariton-ia-50049" target="_blank">The listing may be found here</a>. Interior photographs included.<br /><br />They're called the Perkins Apartments after William Lee Perkins (1886-1957), Chariton's best-known architect and designer of some of our most distinctive buildings --- Hotel Charitone, City Hall, American Legion Hall, Masonic Temple and the Steinbach-Crozier House among them. These buildings all are listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the apartment complex certainly is eligible.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgK1JDV3J99iO2zgAx0bATIbj9-fUtPoVYiagrXJnOP-8GOhSaFSoWdxZ8v4-uxSnHPiZhqkRVZ3ELUUuucDq5pmSSiBf7GvZUnp7eg2xDI6lS0xL67hFTqx0OIJG22-m4pIVd1G-ORigyLotGZnbdeX9QktrIfcko6EbIB2V87bX5WW8Vl8UFDfF8M=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgK1JDV3J99iO2zgAx0bATIbj9-fUtPoVYiagrXJnOP-8GOhSaFSoWdxZ8v4-uxSnHPiZhqkRVZ3ELUUuucDq5pmSSiBf7GvZUnp7eg2xDI6lS0xL67hFTqx0OIJG22-m4pIVd1G-ORigyLotGZnbdeX9QktrIfcko6EbIB2V87bX5WW8Vl8UFDfF8M=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdPlJprVlYPiwWyHADRD0hSISq6VK-5kAdJD7QL3K_qLO0qXdMIJQ7P5sh5nv4LqUKn5w4nL0e8FhmJFBaVIlDYutOXnyq73OY2yRRr6dcwoXgp5RMxX8fJViDmSAMIk-o9OCrpTbdT1Y5B_GUcIvtZu2WXczkrSxz4Pei6_HF9G7AAG-BXuESqe0R=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjdPlJprVlYPiwWyHADRD0hSISq6VK-5kAdJD7QL3K_qLO0qXdMIJQ7P5sh5nv4LqUKn5w4nL0e8FhmJFBaVIlDYutOXnyq73OY2yRRr6dcwoXgp5RMxX8fJViDmSAMIk-o9OCrpTbdT1Y5B_GUcIvtZu2WXczkrSxz4Pei6_HF9G7AAG-BXuESqe0R=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>There actually are two buildings on one double lot here. The apartment building faces Lucas Avenue to the north. The smaller annex is located on the alley to the south. Both were designed, built and owned by Perkins; he lived in the apartments with his wife, Jessie, and son, William Jr., and the building on the alley served as his office. The annex has been separately owned for many years and is not part of the current offering.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEga2OB66bQi3BXcxpsP2d1CerwfNFVNrIyX_etxI2jQhU7j4Z79OWWTrFoADfacfImkCwWO_5Pj_3eoomRThXvn4pWPoS7MyAdtSXvkUIQ0KBuSwcaD6U9EtKHo453_zwJh2iKXjCUQVHvWU0QJ01PqsSaJVwkz_k68d2h2qhvPKPIkuXbcavDqVaXW=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEga2OB66bQi3BXcxpsP2d1CerwfNFVNrIyX_etxI2jQhU7j4Z79OWWTrFoADfacfImkCwWO_5Pj_3eoomRThXvn4pWPoS7MyAdtSXvkUIQ0KBuSwcaD6U9EtKHo453_zwJh2iKXjCUQVHvWU0QJ01PqsSaJVwkz_k68d2h2qhvPKPIkuXbcavDqVaXW=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>A native of Ridgeway, Missouri, Perkins and his family arrived in Chariton during April of 1917 to open his practice as architect and civil engineer. If you'd like to know more about him, <a href="http://charitonsd.blogspot.com/2012/05/architects-william-l-perkins.html" target="_blank">follow this link to another post.</a><br /><br />Although not immediately evident, the apartment building was constructed in two phases --- a one-story or one-and-a-half-story duplex built during 1925 to which a second story containing three apartments was added in 1940.<br /><br />The Herald-Patriot reported the start of Phase I construction in its edition of May 14, 1925, as follows: <i>"W. L. Perkins, the architect, has the grounds staked out for excavating for a double house on East Lucas avenue. The ground plans will be 40 x 60 feet, and the walls will be 16 feet, and constructed of brick. This gives ample space for upstairs rooms. The building will cost about $10,000, so it is stated."</i><br /><br />Progress was noted by Chariton Leader editor Henry Gittinger in his edition of Aug. 11, 1925: "... the brick duplex of W. L. Perkins ... is progressing as the days go by, the walls almost being finished. Chariton is the city of opportunity."<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZkUHdV9Q5R_odeSITYChzAgxDhS5MDrk3DXQiFtTS-soupVtlhPrQqaWTUU6leYvihjDOHeJ_LuiAe4KkNvsBW5TFbjx_FsNqv9Z_Gj_4GyzyOG7GXxQdA4eaAjXBNzKOhw_KenQf79sAYm_KYdt2X6yzBJw1oNSGtPKqCh2lx7YGMGBCOD8GEq3Q=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgZkUHdV9Q5R_odeSITYChzAgxDhS5MDrk3DXQiFtTS-soupVtlhPrQqaWTUU6leYvihjDOHeJ_LuiAe4KkNvsBW5TFbjx_FsNqv9Z_Gj_4GyzyOG7GXxQdA4eaAjXBNzKOhw_KenQf79sAYm_KYdt2X6yzBJw1oNSGtPKqCh2lx7YGMGBCOD8GEq3Q=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><div><br /></div><div>Construction of Phase II of the apartment building was reported upon in The Herald-Patriot of Oct. 17, 1940, as follows: "Work has been started at 726 Lucas Avenue on the construction of a second floor on a one-story house owned by W.L. Perkins. The second floor will include three apartments. Work is expected to be completed by the first of the year."<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">+++</div><br />The smaller building on the alley took its current form during 1939 when Perkins was elected secretary of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and moved that organization's offices and its two employees, Sadie L. Stubbs, executive secretary, and Lucille David, stenographer, from Chicago to Chariton.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiCX9Nz19A1GgaOJUJ7RHaBmx0XwH-b3qSbCfEY8OsYNEJnJFYa71tUVYHRJsftRESDYv9B_6LwY5ImaqUDGGMZKaiQJKtJsZWIq--LRjPs8Qhiszg-DWL_qOpcfXij4CUV2_xw_n9FdSeCq_nLLfr3w5aMU1PKs7AWh4N6skDcMPOEb3mEIOy_BPc=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1176" data-original-width="1200" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjiCX9Nz19A1GgaOJUJ7RHaBmx0XwH-b3qSbCfEY8OsYNEJnJFYa71tUVYHRJsftRESDYv9B_6LwY5ImaqUDGGMZKaiQJKtJsZWIq--LRjPs8Qhiszg-DWL_qOpcfXij4CUV2_xw_n9FdSeCq_nLLfr3w5aMU1PKs7AWh4N6skDcMPOEb3mEIOy_BPc=w640-h628" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9n2NoLWnJ814dQg6XjGvy8bOCVAhymeAY8Y5dudwuMH7dZa6iaHnDBKiRUCZ5qX6OjlvSuciloyE3fyjWvPJrvXQARsRFJIJj4-n1lbRiWWTz7us3VrTMlL0SwtJiRJWfwfC_fymnCC5m-0DnsK0JUQtVmoJ0tWcQ264hHhjyC-q93HCZuKwkmKkY=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9n2NoLWnJ814dQg6XjGvy8bOCVAhymeAY8Y5dudwuMH7dZa6iaHnDBKiRUCZ5qX6OjlvSuciloyE3fyjWvPJrvXQARsRFJIJj4-n1lbRiWWTz7us3VrTMlL0SwtJiRJWfwfC_fymnCC5m-0DnsK0JUQtVmoJ0tWcQ264hHhjyC-q93HCZuKwkmKkY=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The compact structure served both as Perkins' office and as headquarters (upstairs) for the national organization. It had been completed and the office and its employees moved by February of 1940. <br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">+++</div><br />William L. and Jessie Perkins continued to live in the Perkins Apartments until his death, resulting from a heart attack, at the age of 70 on Aug. 12, 1957. Some years later, Jessie moved to California to live near her son and the building was sold. She died in California during 1992 at the age of 103.<br /><br />Lucille David, who arrived in Chariton to work for Perkins, married Cleo Judd during 1943 and Chariton remained her home until she died at age 90 during 2003.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;">+++</div><br /></div><div>So far as I know, we have no notion exactly what the Perkins Apartments looked like during their first incarnation as a duplex. Most likely there was a sloped roof of some sort to accommodate the second-floor rooms that newspaper reports suggest were included. <br /><br />The decorative brickwork on the building's exterior probably dates from 1925; the heavy concrete elements, from the 1940 renovation and upward expansion.<br /><br />Perkins-designed buildings were sometimes quirky, but generally of extraordinary structural integrity, built when possible of steel, masonry and concrete. Those steel-framed windows are, in Chariton, a good indicator that William Lee Perkins was at work here.<br /><br />In their time, the Perkins Apartments were Chariton's best; perhaps that will be the case again --- if the stars align themselves in the proper order.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgRee9bOtVnKFafWkk0jFYWShGffvNkf92leAaLqb4je28KQfIF4zIQXjDsEZY4UfN_g0YeYpUdNEsd9uJvmHxLLKp_RbVZFYut4lExNA3SnUSTUgAaxGZ5wXe17c4xaLtPB2fo_79kFzcKudVrmaiKQfDRQ-xKDVBI50yz5p-ihaI5Woq2BrJcZke=s1200" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjgRee9bOtVnKFafWkk0jFYWShGffvNkf92leAaLqb4je28KQfIF4zIQXjDsEZY4UfN_g0YeYpUdNEsd9uJvmHxLLKp_RbVZFYut4lExNA3SnUSTUgAaxGZ5wXe17c4xaLtPB2fo_79kFzcKudVrmaiKQfDRQ-xKDVBI50yz5p-ihaI5Woq2BrJcZke=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div>Frank D. Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09553291415988366101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375536069791589144.post-6964648684873077412015-08-18T17:14:00.004-07:002022-02-23T16:24:59.740-08:00Douglas Building<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rul6mbtLpTdnX4i_H8jAuzpGXvharwRHwKcDGmGLsA33E4q2zytyK7w4AGSdPrxx1Ip3FzehzD-5J_i4wRbVyi5WT1BYners5JdGnrcWmBSiXxk59NOSCKFQOB-yiSc-__z0GCqMp8g/s1600/Douglas+Building.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="472" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8rul6mbtLpTdnX4i_H8jAuzpGXvharwRHwKcDGmGLsA33E4q2zytyK7w4AGSdPrxx1Ip3FzehzD-5J_i4wRbVyi5WT1BYners5JdGnrcWmBSiXxk59NOSCKFQOB-yiSc-__z0GCqMp8g/s640/Douglas+Building.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Hy-Vee most likely is the top-selling brand of ice cream in Lucas County now, but a century ago it was Douglas, manufactured by the Douglas Ice Cream Co. --- chartered in 1913 with capital of $35,000 --- in this building just off the northeast corner of the Chariton square. The builder (and ice cream manufacturer) was Lee P. Douglas, who moved from Chariton to Des Moines with his family during 1922. <br /><br /> This old photo must have been taken not long after production began. The dray wagon is filled with tubs labeled "Douglas, Chariton, Iowa" and the banners on the wagon and in the first-floor windows of the building behind it read, "Douglas Ice Cream." <br /> <br />The Chariton Leader reported on Dec. 18, 1913, that "The new Douglas building on Grand street is fast assuming propositions (?!?) and ere long will be completed. It is to be occupied by the Douglas Ice Cream Company in the manufacture of this article for the retail and wholesale trade. The building stands two stories above a high basement. These lower rooms will also be fitted up for business. L.P. Douglas and P.T. Paton have formed a partnership and will soon launch a bottling establishment here. The style of the firm is to be known as the D. & P. B. Co. They will equip this establishment with the latest and best appliances and machinery and will put a superior product on the market. Mr. Douglas will have charge of the manufacturing end of the business and Mr. Paton represent the distribution and this will make a strong firm." <br /><br /> Two months later, on Feb. 12, 1914, The Herald-Patriot reported that "Lee Douglas is moving his ice cream factory into his fine new building north of Palmer's Department store (which was located then on the Charitone Hotel site), and will be ready for business on Saturday of this week. Mr. Douglas and P.T. Paton were in Burlington last week attending the Bottlers' convention and have purchased the fixtures for their bottling business which will also be opened in the near future." <br /><br /> Neither the ice cream nor the bottling business endured, but the building did. Probably best-known as the Anderson Building, it has housed a locker, offices and apartments. Now owned by Richard Atwell, it continues to serve as an apartment house. <br />
<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh1ftCCGdJIOjb9N3IBQxCyaIxFAs26IpCO_VxkZIY6rg3lOLMkGWWLV6O8cs2tRkWppXwf4-3rd23HkMNSI9FmVxe0f7Ao8XuHGB5D7JqFvQSaMzKyVwDVK69B5lwkoq2b2sMS3ybimYKHFyFc7CxUdqVrE_DTOuekpzJC6FZIhRhyl6L0or8y_i8=s1000" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="836" data-original-width="1000" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgh1ftCCGdJIOjb9N3IBQxCyaIxFAs26IpCO_VxkZIY6rg3lOLMkGWWLV6O8cs2tRkWppXwf4-3rd23HkMNSI9FmVxe0f7Ao8XuHGB5D7JqFvQSaMzKyVwDVK69B5lwkoq2b2sMS3ybimYKHFyFc7CxUdqVrE_DTOuekpzJC6FZIhRhyl6L0or8y_i8=w640-h536" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div>Frank D. Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09553291415988366101noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375536069791589144.post-60493508583339969422014-03-26T13:22:00.001-07:002014-03-26T13:22:28.523-07:00W. L. Perkins: Floy and Claude M. Gates House<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUotpgStJciT2v5_4XneypxLKEOQ0lpD3ukMq-3N6xPuDMxeXqLdk2ZZpCluR0DZep_QRshSt6e8Fx_n0WrfguRQvKky5b66kq2Wk37Ey6d9JyWY86UgmmQ8P3-lDl1VdhizYIncafV0/s1600/Gates+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUotpgStJciT2v5_4XneypxLKEOQ0lpD3ukMq-3N6xPuDMxeXqLdk2ZZpCluR0DZep_QRshSt6e8Fx_n0WrfguRQvKky5b66kq2Wk37Ey6d9JyWY86UgmmQ8P3-lDl1VdhizYIncafV0/s1600/Gates+002.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>From the southeast</i></td></tr>
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The Floy and Claude M. Gates house, located at 625 South Eighth Street, was an expensive house to build in 1923 --- $12,000 --- and is beautifully detailed. It is one of architect William Lee Perkins' earlier Chariton homes and its owners always have lived in it with a considerable degree of style.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>From the northeast</i><br />
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The home was built for a couple who liked to entertain but who had no children, so it has only two bedrooms. The full basement, which includes a garage, is high, dry and partially finished, however; and there's a good deal of clearance in the walk-up unfinished attic.</div>
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Claude M. Gates was an entrepreneur, born June 6, 1874, in Marshall County. He got his start in the newspaper business, buying and selling, editing and publishing, across Iowa. His properties closest to Chariton included newspapers in Melrose (yes, Melrose once had a newspaper) and Osceola.</div>
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He married Floy Chambers (born Dec. 14, 1882), a Russell girl, on July 7, 1904, in Des Moines. He was 30 at the time, and she was 22. Claude does not seem to have had a large family, but Floy did --- and her parents and several of her sibling remained in Lucas County.</div>
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Claude ended his career as an active newspaperman during his late 40s in Osceola, where the couple was living in the early 1920s just before their move to Chariton. Just after World War I, Gates had begun investing in the emerging petroleum industry and, during the early 1920s, struck oil. </div>
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Sale of oil leases financed the new house in Chariton and further investments turned Claude from a working journalist into an entrepreneur who could live anywhere he chose to, so long as he managed his assets well. Floy's ties to Chariton --- where her parents were living at the time --- tipped the balance in Lucas County's favor.</div>
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The Gates bought the lot on South Eight Street, in an area then known as the Spring Lake Addition, during 1922 and commenced to build during 1923, a year after Floy's father --- Columbus Chambers --- had died.</div>
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The Chariton Leader published this report on the front page of its April 24, 1923, edition:</div>
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<i>"C.M. Gates has decided to erect a modern home in Chariton and wisely so, and to enroll as one of the permanent families. Recently he closed the contract for a residence building on South Eighth street, in Spring Lake, which will be a credit to the city and surroundings. The building is to be a brick structure and will cost in the neighborhood of $12,000. W.L. Perkins drew the plans and E.M. Johnson secured the general contract, and work will soon begin. Dunshee Bros. has the contract for the plumbing and heating and J.A. Jennings will do the painting. Months since, Mr. and Mrs. Gates decided on making Chairton their permanent home and had intended building here, but did not find it convenient to do so until now. Chariton is certainly making strides forward. It is a good place to live. Chariton is a good town in several other ways --- and has a future."</i></div>
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On July 24, The Leader reported, <i>"The new brick bungalow being erected by Mr. and Mrs. Claude Gates in Spring Lake, is showing up fine in its dimensions. The walls are up and the roof is being put on. This is to be one of the prettiest and most substantial homes in the city. It is of an architectural model to be attractive."</i></div>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cjanlr84Mp6vuaWkQDNI7mH4yoCDV4k-QUtGxeWaWaDNjvFATdn0fKjF3lkSyXio0kH5-2tTEK2uhy-m3jrRUisVo7L_PVeV4uTWtDuFFxpm-YBsRV2mwpwV8h-xRdCBUdUTgTNhWio/s1600/Gates+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1cjanlr84Mp6vuaWkQDNI7mH4yoCDV4k-QUtGxeWaWaDNjvFATdn0fKjF3lkSyXio0kH5-2tTEK2uhy-m3jrRUisVo7L_PVeV4uTWtDuFFxpm-YBsRV2mwpwV8h-xRdCBUdUTgTNhWio/s1600/Gates+003.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: right;"><i>Detail of brick work over dining room windows</i><br />
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Superb brick work is a Perkins signature, and he outdid himself on the Gates House. He was an early fan of tile roofs, which the Gates house has (recently restored), but later shifted his allegiance to slate. The exterior has changed little, although new windows have been installed in the porch room (fully integrated into the house) and Perkins never would have tolerated the fake shutters that now flank living room windows.</div>
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The original garage, built into the basement --- which opens at ground level to the west --- has been supplmented by a newer double garage in the generous back yard and extensive enclosed porches have been added to the rear, overlooking that yard. But the original layout of the home remains intact.</div>
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Like the Barber house on Ashland, built-in corner cupboards are a feature of the dining room and there is a generous fireplace in the large living room. The interiors are high, spacious and exceptionally well lighted.</div>
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Claude and Floy Gates lived in their new home until 1957, moving in what then were thought to be rather elevated social circles.</div>
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In that year, however, they sold out and moved to The Commodore, an upscale "apartment hotel" on Grand Avenue west of downtown Des Moines that catered to affluent people who no longer wished to maintain free-standing homes.</div>
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Claude died in Des Moines on March 5, 1963, and his remains were returned to the Chariton Cemetery for burial. Floy died on Dec. 8, 1971, also in Des Moines, and was laid to rest by his side. She, at least, was a member of Des Moines' First Church of Christ, Scientist. The death of neither received extensive coverage in Chariton newspapers, so detailed obituary information is lacking.</div>
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As of March, 2014, the Gates house was listed for $129,500 at Iowa Realty.<br />
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Frank D. Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09553291415988366101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375536069791589144.post-58317894447315171422013-03-22T15:17:00.000-07:002014-03-26T13:39:05.754-07:00Doc Fisher's office<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVyw9HkCu1PUUyjsQfsegzUA_AKbYjSdzdHNVMbLr1sBoLjbglwc8KqF7MtUTUsc1VK7LCBpxT1f-bKD4OCCyDJA0zktCRBjPcuWcDLXKtY6k2AyUhL_YQcagn0YoCpOuNtx8amyUdlU/s1600/Fisher+Office+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaVyw9HkCu1PUUyjsQfsegzUA_AKbYjSdzdHNVMbLr1sBoLjbglwc8KqF7MtUTUsc1VK7LCBpxT1f-bKD4OCCyDJA0zktCRBjPcuWcDLXKtY6k2AyUhL_YQcagn0YoCpOuNtx8amyUdlU/s640/Fisher+Office+001.jpg" height="480" ssa="true" width="640" /></a></div>
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<em>818 and 820 East Braden Avenue</em></div>
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This small building just off the northeast corner of the square, built during 1949, doesn't get much attention these days primarily, I think, because the life appears to have gone out of it. Although I can't see the roof, it appears to be structurally sound and in good condition. A little paint, a flower pot perhaps and a lively tenant or two would improve the situation. When it begins to look like spring, I'll take a friendlier photograph.</div>
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The building was constructed during 1949 for Dr. Merriam C. Fisher (1909-1975), who was our family dentist. Children are unlikely to have pleasant memories of visits to the dentist, but I do remember how bright and light and spotlessly clean his offices were --- and the drawings of Chariton landmarks by a Fisher daughter that decorated the walls. These drawings, or versions of them, now hang in the library at the Lucas County Historical Society Museum. Dr. Fisher's offices were at the east end of the building. The door at the west end leads into a separate small office.</div>
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Here's an article from The Chariton Herald-Patriot of Oct. 4, 1949, just after Dr. Fisher had moved into his new quarters.</div>
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<strong>DR. FISHER IS NOW IN HIS NEW OFFICE</strong></div>
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<em>Dr. M.C. Fisher, formerly located in the First State bank building, is now in his new offices across the street south of the Hotel Charitone.</em></div>
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<em>A new building has been erected on this spot, built especially for a dentist's office, with the exception of one room which has a separate entrance and is used by Bob Larimer as his investment and insurance office.</em></div>
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<em>Dr. Fisher has the latest of facilities, including laboratories, operating rooms, etc. He has seven rooms at his disposal and all on the ground floor.</em></div>
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Frank D. Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09553291415988366101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375536069791589144.post-70667976122193651422013-03-19T14:45:00.000-07:002014-03-26T13:48:23.311-07:00Carl L. Caviness American Legion Post Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sD7mi4wZoapoaBbBLxJfxNfeGaBXJ7qcqAYHVTGrVuj8aakhyFKgfU72mOoOcAic75-q3fImUM9_x9bZspT4NBHbDHXAgg-OfCd_Hz7BceViTWmWCJIIn1hyphenhyphenoSWI97EyWTJNGf1AuUI/s1600/Legion+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1sD7mi4wZoapoaBbBLxJfxNfeGaBXJ7qcqAYHVTGrVuj8aakhyFKgfU72mOoOcAic75-q3fImUM9_x9bZspT4NBHbDHXAgg-OfCd_Hz7BceViTWmWCJIIn1hyphenhyphenoSWI97EyWTJNGf1AuUI/s640/Legion+001.jpg" height="480" psa="true" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5ePPbHGOHaX6BF4DZxj1LMqU3AQQwGmCX_Ga-HGdybhP1LUv87UflE8s9XlxXSGfhVOWmIj0ba38H103HOwCemtjNwkaBJ44Y46LF-v3X75jwcqe3RN_tgsm5hGirsGycLfkZHZ-BHU/s1600/Carl+L+Caviness.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn5ePPbHGOHaX6BF4DZxj1LMqU3AQQwGmCX_Ga-HGdybhP1LUv87UflE8s9XlxXSGfhVOWmIj0ba38H103HOwCemtjNwkaBJ44Y46LF-v3X75jwcqe3RN_tgsm5hGirsGycLfkZHZ-BHU/s320/Carl+L+Caviness.jpg" height="320" psa="true" width="202" /></a></div>
The home of Carl L. Caviness American Legion Post No. 102, added to the National Register of Historic Places during 2006, was constructed to a design by Chariton architect William L. Perkins during the years 1924-1926.</div>
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Approximately 500 young men from Lucas County has served in the military during World War I, which ended with the Armistice of Nov. 11, 1918. During the early summer of 1919, after most surviving veterans had returned home, several of them began to talk of organizing a Chariton post of the newly-formed American Legion. After public meetings, an application for a charter was submitted to the state Legion organization during July. That charter arrived in Chariton on July 17.</div>
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There had been no debate about who the the new post would be named after --- Corporal Carl L. Caviness (upper left), killed by a sniper in France on May 20, 1918, at the age of 21, the first Lucas Countyan to die in combat. At the time the post was formed, the young soldier's body still was buried in France. It would not return home to Chariton until 1921.</div>
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The Legionnaires began to plan acquisition of a post home soon after they organized and fund-raising commenced during 1919, too. Among the earliest donations were a purebred Duroc gilt from H.S. Allen, sold at public auction for $75, and $100 from the treasury of the Womens Christian Temperance Union.</div>
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Durng 1920, the Legion agreed to purchase this old house from the 1860s at the intersection of South Main Street and Linden Avenue from Gene Holmberg for $2,750 plus payment of 1920 taxes. The post took possession of the house on Armistice Day 1920 and immediately began to repair and improve it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig51ONvdBuTzBiHpwf2vN1yD5YXduL4IeZ5GJbIxM3fi78zwCOfZMkavolZUtkgf6i4C4z1_cbSkYSPy4V0cZp185NlT3LulKbL54C7vyizSgxLpwotM9P3wGu7ky85yRfpGRhhs3XGoI/s1600/First+Legion+Hall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig51ONvdBuTzBiHpwf2vN1yD5YXduL4IeZ5GJbIxM3fi78zwCOfZMkavolZUtkgf6i4C4z1_cbSkYSPy4V0cZp185NlT3LulKbL54C7vyizSgxLpwotM9P3wGu7ky85yRfpGRhhs3XGoI/s640/First+Legion+Hall.jpg" height="382" psa="true" width="640" /></a></div>
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The long-term goal was to replace the old house with a suitable "memorial building." During 1923, Chariton architect William L. Perkins drew up plans at no charge for the current post home and the old house was sold for $70 and moved off the site.</div>
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Serious fund-raising (the intial goal was $18,000) commenced during 1924 and excavation work began during the fall of that year with Legionnaires and other volunteers doing much of the "rough" work. The cornerstone was set into place on Oct. 19, 1924, and before winter the building was "under cover."</div>
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The Legion post met for the first time in the building --- on the unfinished ground-floor level around a table made from scrap lumber and supported by kegs --- on Feb. 2, 1925. Work on the building continued during 1925 and was completed during 1926, the year of its dedication.</div>
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The American Legion became one of Chariton's most active and influential organizations during the 1920s and 1930s and when World War II ended, opened itself to a new generation of younger veterans. </div>
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It became clear that the new generation of veterans wanted a place to socialize and so on Feb. 3, 1947, the post authorized construction of the "Quonset Hut club." Added to the west side of the existing building and given a clay tile facade, the club room opened later that year with the strict provision that alcoholic beverages would be served and gambling would be permitted only in the club room.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAdu2rNRl46xQqYq2iLUjBJvz1higAOqkgrhsNj0DyEhMRBe0thkCAjdo7ODpzj5j5cMI5lEQW8UMzOm9e17LaIx6HkSnu5veydtsYtvBXdsUkVaR4T_B6HH7d40H0mzpNab8tEwrOOI/s1600/Legion+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilAdu2rNRl46xQqYq2iLUjBJvz1higAOqkgrhsNj0DyEhMRBe0thkCAjdo7ODpzj5j5cMI5lEQW8UMzOm9e17LaIx6HkSnu5veydtsYtvBXdsUkVaR4T_B6HH7d40H0mzpNab8tEwrOOI/s640/Legion+002.jpg" height="480" psa="true" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRGZf3jUAkZ3TCw0AeLQcThE0ItH-3gvBFn-1pD99Jd9alpA_R7Lak2_cyxXGInEcyRr-6Qhx7gNRkAx-adrVoXUFiuuRKAqB28S0IBq1dYN2GVDe_-tIiuWoXvd5scXrA778qH65q-g/s1600/Legion+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiRGZf3jUAkZ3TCw0AeLQcThE0ItH-3gvBFn-1pD99Jd9alpA_R7Lak2_cyxXGInEcyRr-6Qhx7gNRkAx-adrVoXUFiuuRKAqB28S0IBq1dYN2GVDe_-tIiuWoXvd5scXrA778qH65q-g/s640/Legion+003.jpg" height="480" psa="true" width="640" /></a></div>
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Although membership declined as the World War II and Korean War generations aged, the post remains active and during 2010 celebrated restoration and enhancement of the club, restoring and stabilizing the structure, refinishing its interior and installing a new kitchen and restrooms. </div>
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The 1920s block remains structurally sound, but in need of restoration and enhancement --- when funding becomes available.</div>
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Frank D. Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09553291415988366101noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375536069791589144.post-84310757300799605172013-03-17T11:10:00.002-07:002013-03-17T11:10:23.285-07:00The square as it appeared in 1929<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-A8uWsv8nY4cGDPL8xwWVqRfmgQcjVteQlKCg3SEFTl_-MdqPzfUUZIlabS_gHBZT30W97ufAi0zABXoFice8y8h8dUViWIxkWesjpqRW8x0ldFXtJHhbvCU2i8uNEC9eawryn01AArg/s1600/1930+South.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="378" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-A8uWsv8nY4cGDPL8xwWVqRfmgQcjVteQlKCg3SEFTl_-MdqPzfUUZIlabS_gHBZT30W97ufAi0zABXoFice8y8h8dUViWIxkWesjpqRW8x0ldFXtJHhbvCU2i8uNEC9eawryn01AArg/s640/1930+South.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<em>The South Side in 1929.</em></div>
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This series of four photographs was taken during 1929 and used to illustrate double-page spreads in the Chariton High School yearbook, The Charitonian, which introduced its sponsor advertising sections during 1930 and 1931. By the time the 1930 edition published, however, the southside had been substantially diminished by a major fire of February, that year, that destroyed the three-story Temple/Lincoln Theater building and the single-front building adjacent to it and gutted the almost-new Ritz Theater. Although both the Ritz and the building west of it had been rebuilt by 1930, apparently the yearbook staff preferred the earlier photo and used it again in 1931. Original images, if still extant, have not been located.</div>
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<em>The West Side in 1929.</em></div>
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<em>The North Side in 1929.</em></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpNXJMgJr3F7VXqnv3crRJ7fgMkQo-ilOTVwXjvQ87XxDJmVvbwYzl6UwFKL8lIGD7eXjVItvF9vaqo-hWbq8hPZi1Kw09sB9xBqLgOB-8O0waBs7VwMptekN7ZF-htgx3sln2z0cBOs/s1600/1930+East+Side.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPpNXJMgJr3F7VXqnv3crRJ7fgMkQo-ilOTVwXjvQ87XxDJmVvbwYzl6UwFKL8lIGD7eXjVItvF9vaqo-hWbq8hPZi1Kw09sB9xBqLgOB-8O0waBs7VwMptekN7ZF-htgx3sln2z0cBOs/s640/1930+East+Side.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<em>The East Side in 1929.</em></div>
Frank D. Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09553291415988366101noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375536069791589144.post-79025325029341153282013-03-06T15:45:00.001-08:002013-03-06T15:45:56.703-08:00The 1963 parking, traffic rearrangement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDN312aIBqbOL3b2t9Li8EIOC0mgFQg07tv76sfWqJkdtd6oin1tnEjt3SD5QZs6MYBKArfhMx5ie4OImCvbpVHx4NABp6VtyJoYGc6Q6s_3P6xUTuNbWLWZECapl5m8KA-h6WPY7uk8/s1600/Parking+Lot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="496" jsa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrDN312aIBqbOL3b2t9Li8EIOC0mgFQg07tv76sfWqJkdtd6oin1tnEjt3SD5QZs6MYBKArfhMx5ie4OImCvbpVHx4NABp6VtyJoYGc6Q6s_3P6xUTuNbWLWZECapl5m8KA-h6WPY7uk8/s640/Parking+Lot.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This photo, taken by John Rhodes from atop the then-Rexall Drug building on Saturday afternoon, June 9, 1963, shows the new parking and traffic-management system installed on the Chariton square during the previous week. It was published in The Chariton Leader on June 11, 1963. Designed by the Motor Club of Iowa’s Traffic Engineering Department, the design was based upon a study conducted in Chariton during October of 1962 and was unveiled during February. The Chariton City Council approved the plan on May 6, 1963, rejecting an accompanying recommendation that parking meters be installed, too. Cost of the project was $17,490.</div>
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Prior to this arrangement, Chariton’s square had resembled those in most other town-square cities with angled parking at curbside around the courthouse and along Grand, Braden, Main and Court with two rows of nose-to-nose vehicles in the center. The new plan also routed two lanes of one-way traffic in a counterclockwise direction around the square. This was modified later to reopen the south side of the square to two-way traffic.</div>
Frank D. Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09553291415988366101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375536069791589144.post-2392909571453415402013-02-01T02:56:00.000-08:002013-02-01T02:56:19.835-08:00Shaped by Fire: Kubitshek Block, 1965<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>APARTMENTS AND FIRMS HIT BY TAVERN BLAZE</strong></div>
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Area Departments Called to Assist</div>
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<em>Chariton Herald-Patriot, April 1, 1965</em></div>
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Fire early Wednesday (March 31, 1965) guted a Chariton tavern and virtually destroyed a two-story business and apartment building on the southwest corner of the downtown square.</div>
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It was estimated that replacement cost of the building would exceed $200,000. Actual value of the structure has not been estimated. Owners reported partial insurance coverage.</div>
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Chariton volunteer firemen were alerted by night policemen Walter Hawkins and Adam Caylor, who spotted smoke coming from the rear of Pat and Bill's Tavern about 3:15 a.m.</div>
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Chariton volunteer firemen were assisted by the Russell, Williamson, Lucas and Corydon departments in fighting to bring the blaze under control.</div>
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Police routed apartment tenants occupying the second floor while firemen began pouring water through the front and rear of he tavern, already spouting flames several feet outside the building.</div>
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Residents of eight apartments over the quadruple-front brick building lost furniture, clothing and most of their personal possessions.</div>
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Business places occupying the building included the tavern, the Iowa Liquor Store, the Chariton Barber Shop, Charles Beauty Shop, the Norge Launderama and a photography studio in the basement occupied y Dwight Oliver. The real estate office of Jess Umbenhower, located on the second floor, also was destroyed.</div>
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Forced from the building were Phane Hibbs, Mrs. Leona Anderson and her son, Mrs. Mae Gibbs, Floyd Bingaman, Mrs. Catherine Rivers, Mrs. Eva Rahn, Mrs. Blanche Adams and Marilyn Sanders.</div>
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Red Cross representatives indicated that only one or two of the tenants have insurance on their household goods. Emergy assistance is being provided at the Red Cross said it will work with the victims until they are re-established in new living quarters.</div>
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An office on the second floor, formerly occupied by the Lucas County Selective Service, was vacant. It was being used by the building owners, Edmond Stone & Sons, for storage.</div>
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Phane Hibbs, one of the apartment residents, owned the building in which the laundry and apartment of Mrs. Adams was located.</div>
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The fire was concetrated in the tavern and spread quickly to rooms directly above as firement arrived. The major blaze was brought under control but fire spread through the entire second floor area, making its way in subflooring and between walls.</div>
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Portions of the roof caved in and windows on both levels exploded from intense heat.</div>
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Firemen were hampered about daylight by low water pressure which developed as the three pumper units exhausted the supply in one of the city's storage towers. Pumps were started at the city reservoir to keep the supply available.</div>
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The fire trucks each pump at a rate of 750 gallons a minute while the reservoir line to the city brings in only 650 gallons at maximum operation.</div>
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The blaze was attracting scores of spectators by dawn and large crowds were at the scene throughout the day Wednesday. Firemen halted watering down of the building in mid-afternoon.</div>
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City officials placed a 24-hour police watch on the building Wednesday night to discourage vandalism or theft.</div>
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<strong>CAUSE UNKNOWN</strong></div>
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Cause of the fire was undetermined as of this (Thursday) forenoon, fire chief Allan Larrington said. The fire broke out in Pat and Bill's Tavern and was raging out of control by the time firemen could get equipment into operation.</div>
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Mr. and Mrs. Billl DeBord, owners of the tavern, had announced Tuesday that the business had been sold with the new owner to take possession today.</div>
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<strong>BUILT IN 1896</strong></div>
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The building destroyed by fire Wednesday was built in 1896 by Jake Kull and Jake Yengel, cousins, who had the four-front commercial property constructed as a co-op income property. <em>{Note: This reporting is inaccurate. The Kubitshek Block was built by Henry Kubitshek and Jake Yengel. The Kubitshek family owned three-quarters of the building into the 1920s; Yengel owned his quarter somewhat longer.)</em> </div>
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<strong>BARBER SHOP RE-LOCATED</strong></div>
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Plans for re-opening of the Chariton Barber Shop on the south side of the square in a new location have been announced.</div>
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Barbers have rented the building formerly occupied by Woodie's TV and expect to be ready for business no later than next Monday.</div>
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<strong>RED CROSS ASSISTING</strong></div>
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Representatives of the Iowa Red Cross and the Lucas county chapter were on the scene early Wednesday to assist the fire victims in locating new residences and in replacing lost belongings.</div>
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Marv Hersey, state relations representative for the Red Cross, and Ralph Scroggs, director of safety services for Polk county, have established an office at the city hall. They plan to remain on the scene for the next several days.</div>
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Mrs. Ed Curtis and Kenneth Crist, county chapter officers, along with chapter chairman Ron Stierwalt and disaster chairman Howard Hilburn, were assisting in the relief work.</div>
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The Red Cross is seeking information on low-rent apartments which may be available in Chariton for the fire victims. Keith Fielding is receiving the information.</div>
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<strong>LIQUOR BURNS ONLY TUMMY: NO FIRE SALE</strong></div>
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There will be no "fire sale" of the stock of the Chariton store of the Liquor Commission, officials said today in reporting that the loss due to Wednesday's fire would be "comparatively little." Some patrons of the store had been humorously speculating on such a sale.</div>
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A Commission spokesman said that they had several "generous" tongue-in-cheek offers to store the stock in proviate basements but a truck picked up the stock this morning and returned it to the Des Moines warehouse. There it will be inspected and when a new location can be obtained it will be returned to the Chariton store.</div>
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The only apparent loss was from some broken bottles. This occurred when water soaked the bottom case where cases were stacked. When the paper case collapsed it permitted the stack to fall.</div>
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Principal Commission activity today was the attempt to find a new location, at least temporarily.</div>
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Frank D. Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09553291415988366101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375536069791589144.post-78459951570034897632012-12-05T07:19:00.003-08:002012-12-05T07:19:54.595-08:00Hollinger & Larimer Annex<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpvTpmUOMU8fGXkhxQfhIchP0KRmq6ySB9DfbQ7aF9Ad3hUGi-z6oMDi9TMsz8iEYv3HLQubW32l31NjyDrZ8jIfkDG65cCVHHgSg5Hi8aZJEhJAn1xXVNDcXCMZDAPyd8PxZ7Mi9JDQ/s1600/Annex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="570" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxpvTpmUOMU8fGXkhxQfhIchP0KRmq6ySB9DfbQ7aF9Ad3hUGi-z6oMDi9TMsz8iEYv3HLQubW32l31NjyDrZ8jIfkDG65cCVHHgSg5Hi8aZJEhJAn1xXVNDcXCMZDAPyd8PxZ7Mi9JDQ/s640/Annex.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<em>1010 West Court Avenue</em></div>
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Although it generally is assumed that the Hollinger & Larimer Annex, 1010 West Braden Avenue, was constructed in conjunction with the 1904 Hollinger & Larimer Block (129 and 131 North Main Street), this is not the case even though details of the two buildings mirror each other.</div>
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The Annex, designed by Oran O. Hougland, who probably also designed the Block, was added during 1906. It differs from the Block in part because of its smaller size, but also because it was built above a high basement, custom-designed to house a specific tenant --- the Kestler Laundry Co.</div>
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Here is an article from The Chariton Leader of July 12, 1906, reporting on plans for the Annex:</div>
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<strong>ANOTHER NEW BUILDING</strong></div>
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<em>O.A. Hougland has drawn plans for a brick building immediately to be erected by Hollinger & Larmier west of their clothing house and opposite the Bates House. The structure is to be a two story with high basement, 42x42 feet. The Kestler Laundry Company has leased the basement and it will especially be fitted up for that purpose. The building will practically be fireproof with steel floor supporters above the laundry and filled with concrete between the first floor an iron ceiling of basement. A big well will be sunk in basement, thus assuring an adequate quantity of pure and clean water for the conduct of a first class laundry business, which the Kestlers know how to do. The building will be provided with steam heat and inside (water) closets and modern throughout. The first floor above the basement has been leased, so it is said. The upper story is to be fitted up either for offices or living rooms, to be determined later.</em></div>
Frank D. Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09553291415988366101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375536069791589144.post-10863396548934880372012-11-08T03:34:00.005-08:002012-11-09T09:04:28.427-08:00The William C. Brown Block<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1k8_XAlaGfrKuIgfKLcNC_NMAcVKwOYTfcjX6TPItmna0LUkYTohgrB8NTL9dttM6oNnTYi71T2FRyzYuyM8TUjzFUkO-DMAgOoqRJ-5yVlmqIPZWBnythd3S17maRRo6W61OiYAcixs/s1600/Spanish+Revival.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="410" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1k8_XAlaGfrKuIgfKLcNC_NMAcVKwOYTfcjX6TPItmna0LUkYTohgrB8NTL9dttM6oNnTYi71T2FRyzYuyM8TUjzFUkO-DMAgOoqRJ-5yVlmqIPZWBnythd3S17maRRo6W61OiYAcixs/s400/Spanish+Revival.jpg" width="534" /></a></div>
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<em>105 and 107 South Main Street</em></div>
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This double-front building just off the southwest corner of Chariton's square at 105 and 107 South Main Street is unique among the city's commercial buildings because of the tiled canopy at cornice level and its diapered brickwork. The designer is unknown, although its builder was Andrew Jackson Stephens, who also constructed the Lucas County Jail and the Stephens House, now home to the Lucas County Historical Society. The latter is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; the former would be eligible if an application were submitted.</div>
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There are a couple of long-standing misunderstandings about the Brown block, the first being that it was constructed in 1917 --- as carved in stone in the crown of the cornice atop its south storefront: "W.C. Brown Block, 1917." It was actually built during the winter of 1913-1914.</div>
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The other misunderstanding involves the Iris Theater, later the Strand, which some have contended was located in the south storefront of this block. Actually, the Iris/Strand was located in a slightly later third component of the Brown Block, immediately south of the building we see today, which was demolished. Part of City Hall's north parking lot occupies that site today.</div>
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The half block in which the Brown is located had been until its construction always filled with frame buildings which burned periodically, meaning that nothing old had survived here.</div>
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William C. Brown, a native of Indiana, arrived in Lucas County in 1866 and farmed west of Chariton until 1906, when he moved into town with his wife, Hester, and bachelor son, David, who continued to farm with his brother, Ira. On the 5th of September, 1912, Charles Eckfelt sold the 20-foot lot under the south half of the current building to David Brown and the 20-foot lot under the north half to William C.</div>
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Construction at behest of the father-and-son partnership began during the fall of 1913. The Chariton Leader of Oct. 16, 1913, reported,<em> "Excavation work, at the southwest corner of the square, is proceeding for the new double room, two story brick block of W.C. and David Brown. The work will be pushed along as fast as possible as Mr. Brown says he has a number of applicants as renters. There is demand for several more business houses in Chariton at present."</em></div>
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The Browns, apparently armed with detailed plans, approached construction of their new building in a business-like fashion, seeking and receiving three bids. The Leader of Dec. 11, 1913, reported on that process as follows: <em>"Bids were submitted by three contracting firms, Monday, for the erection of the Brown building. The foundation is already in. The bid of the Teas Bros. was $12,100, D.A. Enslow's was $12,085, and that of Andy Stephens was under $12,000. He gets the award. Now that the contract has been let he will get to work right away assembling materials for construction and may run up the side walls between this and spring, depending on the weather, however."</em></div>
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<em>The</em> weather that winter proved to be cooperative and The Leader of Jan. 8, 1914, was able to report that <em>"in spite of the fact that mid winter is here building goes right ahead in Chariton. A.J. Stephens has a force of brick layers working on the Brown building."</em></div>
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By late spring, the new building was complete, basically as we see it now. The Herald-Patriot of April 25, 1914, reported that <em>"Clint Noble has leased the north room of the new Brown building, which is being constructed near the southwest corner of the square, and will move his restaurant and cafe into it in a short time. The dwelling apartments above this room have been leased by Mr. and Mrs. Auldey Tansey."</em><br />
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Somewhat later, the south business front was leased to a battery company headquartered in Creston.</div>
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William C. and David Brown continued to act as joint landlords for their new building until December of 1916, when David died unexpectedly at the age of 49. His interest in the block went to his father. Earlier that year, during May, William C. had purchased the lot immediately south of David's portion of their buidling, and during mid-1917 resolved to build upon it. </div>
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The Herald-Patriot of July 12, 1917, contained this report: <em>"Chariton is to have another business block, excavating starting this morning. The new room will be 22x80, two stories in height and will be fitted for living rooms above. It is being erected by Wm. Brown on the lot just south of the two buildings he now owns at the southwest corner of the square and will be an exact duplicate of the two rooms already built. Mr. Brown has three daughters and he proposes to give each one of them buildings."</em></div>
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Those three daughters were Mary M. Tharp, Ella Miller and Effie L. Veirs. William C. actually transferred joint ownership of the existing Brown Block and the lot upon which its third component would be built to the daughters on Dec. 30, 1916, immediately after David's death.</div>
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On the 26th of July, 1917, the Herald-Patriot reported that <em>"the first floor of the new Brown building, which is being constructed, will be occupied as soon as it is completed by D. Earl Combs with a picture show, which will be under the management of "Bob" Percifield, who has had considerable experience along that line. The new building will be 150 feet long with a stage 20x30 feet and a horseshoe balcony. There will also be a canopy and lobby over the sidewalk. Mr. Combs expects to operate a five and ten cent show."</em></div>
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The canopy, provided by the Milwaukee Corrugating Co. and advertising "Vaudeville" and "Pictures," was illustrated in the April 6, 1918, edition of "The American Contractor," some months after the theater actually opened. As part of the construction process, a cut was made in the tiled coping of the cornice of the south storefront of the original block, a new brick crown was added and the stone announcing "W.C. Brown Block, 1917," inserted, neatly centered above the now three-front block.</div>
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On Sept. 20, 1917, The Herald-Patriot reported that <em>"D. Earl Combs will open his new theatre soon at the southwest corner of the square. He will show the best pictures, vaudeville, musical comedies, etc. The building will seat about 600 people, while the scenery will be the same as that used in the Orpheum at Des Moines. The room will be thoroughly ventilated by the washed air cooler process and the picture machine booth will be constructed of asbestos and will be absolutely fireproof. A picture machine with mercury for making direct current will make pictures absolutely flickerless."</em></div>
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The new theater opened during the first week of November, 1917, and the Herald-Patriot reported on Nov. 8 that <em>"the name suggested by Mrs. Frank Shaffer and Mrs. Mae Gasser, 'The Iris Theatre,' is the one which won the prize of $5 in gold and a year's pass."</em></div>
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An advertisement elsewhere in that edition of the Herald-Patriot listed attractions for the coming week: Monday, John Barrons in "<em>An Old Fashioned Young Man</em>, a story that will appeal to everyone," along with Orpheum Vaudeville; Tuesday, Viola Dana in "<em>The Cossack Whip</em>" (don't miss it, it's a thriller)," again with Orpheum Vaudevelle; and Wednesday, Muriel Ostriches in<em> Moral Courage</em> along with the final Orpheum Vaudeville performance of the week. Thursday's atraction was Louise Glaum in <em>Sweetheart of the Doomed</em>. The attractions on Friday and Saturday were to be Alex Sanders, "Jew comedian," with <em>The Million Dollar Beauties</em>, a tabloid show subtitled <em>Bevy of Pretty Girls</em>. Weekend reserved seats were 15 cents, 25 cents and 35 cents; admission to the Saturday 2:30 p.m. matinee was 15 cents and 25 cents.<br />
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William C. Brown, the builder, died on June 18, 1918, of pneumonia and a "complication of troubles." By that time, however, the Brown block was in the hands of his daughters.</div>
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Earl Combs did not continue long in the theater business and a variety of owners and managers followed. In 1922, the theater was leased to D.E. Arris and W.E. Dixon, of Plattsmouth, Nebraska, who opened the rechristened Strand Theater there. The building's theatrical career was over by 1929 when Ella Miller sold her third of the Brown Block to Dr. James B. Robb, who converted the upstairs apartment into his offices and the old theater space into quarters for a hardware store. This third of the Brown block had many tenants during the years that preceeded its demolition. The property was sold to the city of Chariton in 1988.</div>
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The south half of the original block, by this time owned by the heirs of Mary Tharp, was sold during 1934 to R.E. Larimer. It currently is occupied by H & R Block.</div>
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The north half of the original block, now occupied by part of the Midwest Heritage Insurance operation, was owned until her death by Effie Veirs, then passed into the ownership of her only son, Lee. On the 12th of April, 1964, Lee sold the building to the Knights of Pythias lodge, but continued to live in the family apartment upstairs. He shot himself to death in that apartment on Jan. 28, 1965. You can read more about Lee here in a post entitled, <a href="http://lucascountyan.blogspot.com/2012/04/last-of-lee-veirs.html">"The Last of Lee Veirs."</a></div>
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Frank D. Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09553291415988366101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375536069791589144.post-21676098978157248412012-10-26T04:34:00.000-07:002012-10-26T04:34:34.950-07:00The 1904 Fire<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>WORST FIRE IN HISTORY OF THE TOWN</strong></div>
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<em>Chariton Business Property Worth $100,000 Goes Up in Smoke<br />Mallory's Opera Block, D.Q. Storie's Block and Lockwood's Jewelry Store<br />Burned to the Ground --- Portion of Stocks Saved --- Firemen Handicapped</em></div>
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The Chariton Patriot, Jan. 28, 1904</div>
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The most disastrous fire in Chariton's history occurred Monday night when Mallory's opera block, the D. Q. Storie building and Lockwood & Son's jewelry store burned to the ground. A large portion of the stocks of goods were saved. The damage is estimated to be $100,000. The losses are all covered by insurance except to the amount of about $25,000.<br />
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The heaviest loser is D. Q. Storie. His net loss is thought to be at least $18,000. The Von Behren grocery store also loses heavily, the estimate being $4,500. Will B. Barger suffered the loss of his fine law library worth $2,800. Lockwood & Son say they cannot estimate their loss at this time. The losses suffered by S. Oppenheimer, Hollinger & Larimer, and Brown & Lutz are covered by insurance.<br />
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All of the property owners will commence the work of rebuilding as soon in the spring as the weather will permit. Mrs. Thayer telegraphed from Long Beach, California, her sympathy to the tenants of the opera block and stated that she would erect, in the spring, a building with all modern improvements. As to the kind of building proposed, we are not informed; nor can we state whether or not it will contain a theatre.<br />
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The Albia fire department was sent for but they came too late to be of material assistance. The lateness of their arrival was caused by no fault of theirs but by delay by the railroad company in furnishing them a train. For their willingness to come and the assistance they rendered, our town people feel very grateful.<br />
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The fire was discovered by Night-watchman Hans Beck. While making his rounds he saw tiny jets of flame bursting through the ceiling in the rear of Von Behren's grocery store. There was a row about six feet long of these little flames coming through a seam in the steel ceiling just above the store. He gave the alarm, and it was thought by those first to arrive that the fire was not serious and could easily be extinguished. An hour later the fire was raging in a manner that foretold the doom of the building.<br />
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The fire evidently caught from the flue in Von Behren's store as it was in the ceiling about this flue the fire was first seen. An attempt was made to check the fire with balcocks. Then a line of hose was laid and taken up the opera house stairway. The men holding the nozzle saw flames breaking through the floor around the stove on the west side of the opera house. They called for water, but Assistant-chief Woods ordered the hose downstairs and into Von Behren's store where it was attempted to fight the fire from below. This proved futile.<br />
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Meanwhile the flames increased in volume and force and soon the interior of the opera house was a roaring furnace. The hose was taken out of Von Behren' s to the street on the north side of the building and a stream of water directed into the opera house. There was neither sufficient volume of water nor enough force behind the stream to do any good and the flames, fanned by a northwest wind, swept with devouring fury through the upper floors.<br />
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In the store rooms below the work of carrying out goods was being done with all haste. It was given out several times by the firemen that they had the fire under control, and it was thought by many that the fire could be checked in time to stave the Storie building. But Chariton's fire-fighting facilities were inadequate to combat such a conflagration. The fire wall of the Storie block was not proof against the awful onslaught of the flames and it suffered as had the opera block. The falling of the wall on the Lockwood building crushed the roof and destroyed all hope of saving the little frame building. Here the fire was checked in its career of destruction by the solid brick wall of the Penick block. It is fortunate there were no openings in this wall. Had the fire gained foothold in this building it is very probable that the entire west side of the square would have been destroyed, and after it the buildings south of the square. By this time the water supply of both cisterns on the square was exhausted and the engine had to be moved to the city pond, when it froze up and was taken to the fire house.<br />
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About six o'clock the Lockwood building blazed up with renewed fury and the services of the Albia fire engine were called upon.<br />
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During much of the time that the fire was raging, two streams of water played on the flames, but the firemen worked under greater difficulties than have been encountered since before the steam engine was purchased. With the mercury in the thermometer hovering near the twenty-below-zero mark, the engine froze up repeatedly and there were intervals of several minutes duration from time to time in which it was forced to cease pumping. One after the other, the cisterns gave out and time was lost moving the engine from one reservoir to another. The work was further handicapped by the hose freezing up. Danger from falling walls prevented the firemen from getting close enough to the fire to do effective work. The men worked hard and much credit is due them for the hours of effort expended in the face of difficulties that could not be overcome.<br />
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The greater part of S. Oppenheimer's stock was saved from fire. Nearly the entire stock of Hollinger & Larimer was taken from the building. However, both these clothing firms had their stocks badly damaged in moving and they say that much is missing. Their losses are covered by insurance. Stock to the amount of $1,300, only, was saved from Von Behren's. Little of Brown & Lutz's stock was saved. The Chariton Loan & Trust Company saved their abstract books and their safe went through the fire without damage to the valuable securities therein. What was saved from Storie's store is hardly worth considering. Dr. Storie lost every thing he possessed for his professional work. Wm. Haylor, jewler, saved all his property, including his repair work. Lockwood's succeeded in saving the most valuable part of their stock: jewelry, silverware, cut-glass and articles of such nature. The greater part of their stock in the rear and south sides of the room were consumed. They lost everything in their living apartments up-stairs.<br />
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Every effort was made to save goods and the utmost precaution was taken by the owners to prevent damage to goods and to stop theft. However, cowardly thieves got in their work and there is much complaint of missing articles.<br />
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The extent of the damage sustained and amount of insurance in each case, is as near as we can learn as follows:<br />
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Opera block, loss $35,000, insurance $26,000<br />
D. Q. Storie, loss $30,000, insurance $12,000<br />
S. Oppenheimer, loss $8,000, covered<br />
Hollinger & Larimer, loss $5,000, covered<br />
Lockwood & Son, loss $10,000, insurance $9,000<br />
Geo. Von Behren, loss $7,000, insurance $2,500<br />
Brown & Lutz, loss $3,500, insurance $3,000<br />
W. B. Barger, loss $2,800, insurance $1,000<br />
Loan & Trust Co, loss $500, none<br />
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The losses sustained by Smith, photographer; C. Dalin, tailor; and Adams Express Company are slight.<br />
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The fire sufferers are temporarily located, as follows:<br />
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Hollinger & Larimer: Law building east side.<br />
S. Oppenheimer: South side in room lately occupied by bowling alley.<br />
Lockwood & Son: Penick block<br />
Geo. Van Behren: Dewey block<br />
Chariton Loan & Trust Co: Up-stairs over Smyth's dry goods store<br />
D. Q. Storie and Wm. Haylor: Ed Storie's store, east side<br />
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Frank D. Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09553291415988366101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375536069791589144.post-77633947195556786232012-10-24T06:10:00.000-07:002012-10-24T06:10:00.127-07:00The 1882 Fire<div style="text-align: center;">
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<em>Much if not all of the south half of the west side of Chariton's square was destroyed in an early-morning fire on Feb. 12, 1867. After that fire, all structures other than the Matson Building, rebuilt in brick (now hiding behind the facade of the Stanton Building), were replaced by new wooden structures. On Dec. 5, 1882, fire broke out again on the west side, wiping out the new wooden buildings between the Matson brick (which resisted the flames) and the corner of Court and North Main. Here is an account of that fire from the Chariton Democrat Leader of Dec. 7, 1882. All of the buildings south of what we now call the Stanton Building were built after this fire and continue to stand.</em></div>
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<strong>DESTRUCTIVE FIRE</strong></div>
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<em>The Chariton Democrat Leader</em></div>
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<em>Thursday, Dec. 7, 1882</em></div>
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At 12:45 Tuesday morning the citizens were roused from their slumbers by the cry of "fire" and the whistling of a locomotive. On opening doors and windows, the location was observed to be on the west side of the square. A general rush for the scene was made when it was discovered that the fire was in the Bake Shop of G.F. Gasser and the entire inner portion was in flames. In a moment the roof was ablaze. The Hook and Ladder boys were promptly on the ground and exerted themselves to the utmost, but the fire had gained such headway that it was impossible for them to check its progress. The Engine in the mean time had been run out, and the hose was laid, but while steam was being raised the fire communicated with the rear of the wooden building adjoining the Bake Shop when the work of destruction was very rapid. Willing hands were ready, and the work of removing goods began. The first goods removed were those of G.F. Gasser and E.P. Chase, and the hope was entertained that the fire could be confined to those two buildings. </div>
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But this hope was quickly dispelled as, on account of the dry and combustible material on which the fire was feeding, the flames reached out and embraced the building owned by H.H. Day on the corner, and occupied by Manning & Murphy, and also the building on the north of Gasser's owned by Kull & Yengle and occupied by E.M. Press. The work of further removing of goods then began in earnest, and the rapidity with which the flames licked up the frail wooden structures produced the fear that a very destructive conflagration would ensue.<br />
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A portion only of the goods belonging to Manning & Murphy could be removed, while part of the stock belonging to E.M. Press and that in the next building on the north belonging to M. Goodman was carried out.<br />
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Next adjoining on the north was the brick building owned by the First National Bank and occupied by Messrs. McCollough & Co. The efforts of the firemen, who during all this time had nobly battled against the devouring element, were now directed exclusively to preventing the fire from crossing the street to the south, or mounting over the brick building on the north. Happily the night was calm, and soon all fears of the fire spreading to the south were removed. But a terrible fight was necessary to prevent it from reaching out to the north. At one time it seemed almost impossible to stay the flames, and the stock of McCollough & Co. and that of Goodrich & Ensley next to the north were carried out. By the heroic and persevering efforts of the Firemen, and after the hooks had been applied and a portion of the frame building next to the brick torn out, the mastery was obtained over the fire-fiend and the flames confined to the five buildings.<br />
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As if the fire had not caused sufficient damage, a rain and snow storm set in, and many of the goods which had been removed from the burning buildings were further damaged. But again scores of willing hands were at work, and the goods were carried into the two buildings which had been vacated but not burned. In addition to this Mr. W.C. Penick threw open the doors of his store building, and also his bank, and a place of shelter was provided. The goods belonging to Manning & Murphy, E.P. Chase and G.F. Gasser, were removed to the east side and housed.<br />
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The losses and insurance as nearly as can be learned at this writing are as follows:<br />
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Manning & Murphy --- $4,500; no insurance.<br />
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M. Goodman stock and household goods --- $6,500; insurance $4,400.<br />
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E.P. Chase --- $300; fully insured.<br />
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G.F. Gasser stock and building --- $4,000; insurance $1,000.<br />
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Manning & Coles --- $600; no insurance.<br />
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E.M. Press --- $3,500 to $4,000; fully insured.<br />
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J.N. McCollough & Co. --- $300; no insurance.<br />
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Goodrich & Ensley --- $300 to $500; fully insured.<br />
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H.H. Day buildings --- $2,500; no insurance.<br />
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R.M. Moore building --- $1,500; insurance $1,000.<br />
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Kull & Yengle building --- $2,000; insurance $1,000.<br />
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Telephone Exchange --- $25 to $50; no insurance.<br />
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Y.M.C.A. --- $25 to $50; no insurance.<br />
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Eikenberry & Co. implements --- $1,400; no insurance.<br />
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Eikenberry & Co.. and Kull building --- $1,500; no insurance.<br />
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A. Prather --- $300; no insurance.<br />
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In addition to the above there were sundry other small losses, which cannot be obtained this morning. In all over $30,000 worth of property was swept away in less than two hours.</div>
Frank D. Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09553291415988366101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375536069791589144.post-49364321187287297042012-09-14T12:20:00.000-07:002012-09-14T12:20:45.262-07:00The 1867 Fire<div style="text-align: justify;">
The current form of Chariton's square was in one sense shaped by fire, many major and some minor. Frame buildings burned and were rebuilt in brick. Then brick buildings burned and, again, were rebuilt.</div>
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The first major recorded fire occurred early Tuesday, Feb. 12, 1867, and destroyed much if not all of the buildings, all frame, then standing south of the alley on the west side of the square. It started in the harness shop of T.A. Matson, then located where the Stanton Building now stands.</div>
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Although no issues of Chariton newspapers from that month survived, the fire was reported upon in The Burlington Daily Hawkeye of Thursday, 21 February 1867, as follows:</div>
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"The Chariton Patriot of Tuesday, gives the particulars of a disastrous fire which occurred in that place last Tuesday morning. Six business houses were burned, entailing a loss of $75,000. The fire broke out in the harness shop of T.A. Matson, and within an hour the whole street was in flames. The origin of the fire is not known. The following are the principal losses:</div>
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T.A. Matson, loss $8,000; insured for about $5,000.</div>
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D.W. Waynick, loss $7,000; insured, $3,000.</div>
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John Rosa, loss $8,000; insured, $600.</div>
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Popham & Marsh, loss $3,500; insured $2,000.</div>
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W.W. Waynick, loss $5,000; insured, $2,100.</div>
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Wm. & Fred Gasser, loss $5,000; no insurance.</div>
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T.M. Stuart & Bros., Attorneys, books and papers, $200.</div>
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C.T. Brant, dentist, fixtures, $75; no insurance.</div>
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D.D. Waynick, dry goods, loss $10,000; partly insured.</div>
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Many others occupying offices and rooms in some of the buildings lost considerable, but we have not a complete list.</div>
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The insurance companies that are the heaviest losers are as follows: State, at Des Moines; Iowa Mutual; Keokuk; Burlington; Merchants, at Chicago; Quincy, at Quincy, Ill.</div>
Frank D. Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09553291415988366101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375536069791589144.post-60468800605782044062012-09-05T14:11:00.001-07:002012-09-05T14:11:36.690-07:00Eikenberry-Crozier Block<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Frank D. Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09553291415988366101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375536069791589144.post-12210731340870271642012-08-28T06:54:00.001-07:002012-09-05T14:03:28.728-07:00Custer-Anderson-Carpenter Block<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This procession of three identical 1914 brown-brick buildings unites to form a business block just south of the alley on the east side of the square that never really has had a name. The block stands on the lot where Lucas County's original log courthouse stood and, as a result, was not sold by Lucas County until 1860. This late start may help to explain why development here was slow.</div>
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The buildings were built as a joint project by those who owned the Lot 6, Block 9, subdivisions underneath them --- Walter Custer (north), Jennie Anderson (center) and George W. Carpenter (south).</div>
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Until just before construction commenced, these three lots were filled with a rag-tag collection of old one-story wood frame buildings along with untidy areas of outdoor warehousing, evident but not especially clear to the extreme right in this vintage postcard view.</div>
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Here's how The Chariton Herald-Patriot of April 30, 1914, reported upon the impending project: <em>"Three new store rooms are planned for the east side and excavation has already begun on the lot belonging to George F. Carpenter. The lot owned by Mrs. Jennie Anderson will also be built upon at once and the property of Walter Custer will likewise be graced with a handsome structure as soon as possible. The two south rooms will be 20.5x100 feet deep, while the Custer building will be a trifle wider. Chas. Johnson has the contract for erecting the two rooms and they will be modern in every way, with pressed brick front, large windows with copper window frames and plate glass. The upper rooms will probably be arranged as flats, although this matter has not been definitely determined. The erection of these buildings will fill in all the square with brick structures except the lot now occupied by the Adams Express Co. and one southside lot, and will be a decided improvement for the east side and the entire square."</em></div>
Frank D. Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09553291415988366101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375536069791589144.post-3314116543720694592012-08-28T06:51:00.001-07:002012-10-17T14:33:00.572-07:00Grand Theatre Building<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EdRS5jQflsiqTcJf_ajQ66sn80W_4XYKywpaeGaQoYhF-sLLON8IXZZcewwjgoETqlXilnirqs0rFHq9Vcu0BAOTi-AYPsuX4ptUQhQz41z9cuesaRUyg_ZnJBTvRxH34_WKoNG32bk/s1600/State+Theater+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5EdRS5jQflsiqTcJf_ajQ66sn80W_4XYKywpaeGaQoYhF-sLLON8IXZZcewwjgoETqlXilnirqs0rFHq9Vcu0BAOTi-AYPsuX4ptUQhQz41z9cuesaRUyg_ZnJBTvRxH34_WKoNG32bk/s640/State+Theater+001.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<strong>CONTEMPLATED NEW THEATRE</strong></div>
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<em>The Chariton Leader, 5 September 1912</em></div>
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A gentleman from St. Joseph was here on the first of the week and contracted for the erection of a theatre building on the Riebel lot, just north of the Star Bakery. It is to be especially erected for a theatre, one story, 20x100 feet, with raised floors and asbestos curtains. He said he would give bond for a long term lease and if he does so the building will be built immediately.</div>
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<strong>NEW THEATRE NEARING COMPLETION</strong></div>
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<em>The Chariton Leader, 6 March 1913</em></div>
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The Grand Theatre building on the east side of the square is nearing completion and is a thing of beauty and we hope a joy forever. the inside walls are artistically finished in blending colors and present a charming effect. The stage at the rear is 20x20 feet with dressing apartments below. Mr. Banning has moved his family here from Des Moines, and expects to open up the theatre some time in April. He is an experienced show man and owns severl motion picture shows in various parts of the state. While the Temple Theatre has always pleased, competition is the life of trade, and both will probably do better by another being here.</div>
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<strong>NEW PICTURE SHOW</strong></div>
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<em>The Chariton Herald-Patriot, 20 March 1913</em></div>
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Chariton has a second picture show, the Grand theater under the management of J.D. Banning being thrown open to the public last week. The room was especially arranged for a moving picture show with high ceilings, a loft in the rear for the operator's booth and orchestra, while 240 comfortable opera chairs are arranged for the public. A suction fan will be placed at the east end of the building and four 14-inch fans will be installed to provide pure air for a crowded house. The booth for the operator is constructed of steel with asbestos lining, thus minimizing the danger of fire, while a side door and two doors near the stage provide quick means of exit in case of accident. Screen, lenses and machinery are rapidly being brought into excellent condition and only the best and cleanest pictures will be shown. The new theater and the building in which it is located is a credit to the east side of the square. Mr. Banning expects to make his permanent home in Chariton and has already secured a suite of rooms in the Smythe block.</div>
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<strong>GRAND THEATRE BUILDING ENLARGED</strong></div>
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<em>The Chariton Leader, 11 December</em> <em>1913</em></div>
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The Grand Theatre building will be extended east to the alley and work of excavation has begun. This will give them double floor space to accommodate the crowds that attend the movies nightly. They have been giving three shows an evening and then could not accommodate all. An orchestra has been added and good music will be a special feature.</div>
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Frank D. Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09553291415988366101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375536069791589144.post-42187014825450387172012-08-28T06:48:00.002-07:002012-08-28T06:48:45.100-07:00Swanson-Chamber/Main Street Building<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfPMRb43uwju0XuttEQpDO8BgxShJul1gO6V3mnyvbN9UOhGDGDSPMZQXeOow2qRYSUgLLHQ71WU-saoaBFwWCRSaJsiBVCeWRawWlqJnrRJrXoWUaabd1tDHwN_gkOMu21_P8UDHOS0/s1600/Swanson+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" fea="true" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilfPMRb43uwju0XuttEQpDO8BgxShJul1gO6V3mnyvbN9UOhGDGDSPMZQXeOow2qRYSUgLLHQ71WU-saoaBFwWCRSaJsiBVCeWRawWlqJnrRJrXoWUaabd1tDHwN_gkOMu21_P8UDHOS0/s640/Swanson+001.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Frank D. Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09553291415988366101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375536069791589144.post-53750727218542013762012-08-24T18:18:00.002-07:002012-08-24T18:18:31.283-07:00Barnett Building-Meyer Law Firm<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpydnPPj1fHEF27DT2_dmNq-Cs7iDE78kVJJzRG4b8pXJNEUCojBO_Ovp9Qwj2AgDjF5GKn8TuZgSaIY-LQ40CVsMjM84hXTFn8MQi5-FqdMmdaqgTL9OsvzbhgDwu951XMbpk8db2e4/s1600/Meyer+Facade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXpydnPPj1fHEF27DT2_dmNq-Cs7iDE78kVJJzRG4b8pXJNEUCojBO_Ovp9Qwj2AgDjF5GKn8TuZgSaIY-LQ40CVsMjM84hXTFn8MQi5-FqdMmdaqgTL9OsvzbhgDwu951XMbpk8db2e4/s640/Meyer+Facade.jpg" width="512" yda="true" /></a></div>
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The Barnett Building, now hiding behind a well-mannered facade of single and brick and known as the Meyer Law Firm, was built to house a bakery during the fall of 1901. </div>
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The Chariton Herald reported on Sept. 12, 1901, that "Ground was broken the first of the week for another new store building, this time on the east side of the square. It is being erected by Johnson & Best for Richard Barnett and his mother. The building will be 20x70 feet, one story high, with 14-foot ceiling, and is on the vacant lot just north of Buffington's store."</div>
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The new building was nearly ready for occupancy by November, when The Herald reported in its issue of the 14th that "The Star Bakery is to move soon from its present location on the east side to the new Barnett brick building near the south end of the east side. This will give Messrs. Grove and Bowers a much better place to handle their large patronage."</div>
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According to Raymond C. Meyer, who now owns the building, the lot was purchased by D.L. Barnett from William Eikenberry on Sept. 3, 1901. D.L. Barnett and his wife, Agnes, sold the property to J.A. Brown during 1906.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLPVur_8334d4O2lri6FEufUADhRR3fVa86-r1X2utePs5kqJK_p70sxS2pGIF2-SsKEk2gvbrvM1X5U-xl437449nH3hZ-j0DHV41DUMZR7BWSjI8BUsIEseM-C8M-jyTKDTeYqG54U/s1600/Barnett.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHLPVur_8334d4O2lri6FEufUADhRR3fVa86-r1X2utePs5kqJK_p70sxS2pGIF2-SsKEk2gvbrvM1X5U-xl437449nH3hZ-j0DHV41DUMZR7BWSjI8BUsIEseM-C8M-jyTKDTeYqG54U/s640/Barnett.jpg" width="458" yda="true" /></a></div>
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By the time this undated photo was taken, the Star Bakery business apparently had been sold to Lee Tacker. Although the people standing in front are not identified, perhaps the gentlemen in the hat is Mr. Tacker and the others, obviously the bakery staff. The building continued to house a succession of bakeries for nearly 70 years.</div>
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Attorney Virgil E. Meyer, who arrived in Chariton during 1942, acquired what then was known as the Quality Bakery Building soon after that business closed in the late 1960s, remodeled the structure into its current form and moved in during 1969. It has changed little since.</div>
Frank D. Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09553291415988366101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375536069791589144.post-35153259243693031512012-08-22T12:37:00.001-07:002013-02-14T06:51:44.317-08:00Great Western Bank<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgJhhvoN0Pg1q6T1jRMpIl_DEibMh68XoqC58Ivn0_2Wj0eNtKSpTSTLjKWrV2AgFCGeI2_miC2QMFYrjAY99bC5fH_Q3KiVXeabBzwBuqItbVDYQI997NzgqRzNSe3bRmHMtOhwkZuo/s1600/Great+Western.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgJhhvoN0Pg1q6T1jRMpIl_DEibMh68XoqC58Ivn0_2Wj0eNtKSpTSTLjKWrV2AgFCGeI2_miC2QMFYrjAY99bC5fH_Q3KiVXeabBzwBuqItbVDYQI997NzgqRzNSe3bRmHMtOhwkZuo/s640/Great+Western.jpg" width="640" yda="true" /></a></div>
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<em>201 North Main Street</em></div>
Frank D. Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09553291415988366101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375536069791589144.post-80125389080212847342012-08-22T12:28:00.000-07:002012-08-22T12:28:06.978-07:00Midwest Heritage Bank<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAfhRFVw94Hk5MjVQJYOHL8mOnNE3LWln5hwtwBnztv6xYwUGzHAFRN9CpgXvlcpCriQmiXpMTke-K0xM4xAisYWt1zWoD5xwgTdft5e0OetxVKBg-gU0Xkat_FE5q8H6QnkjzqszmO4/s1600/Midwest+Heritage+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYAfhRFVw94Hk5MjVQJYOHL8mOnNE3LWln5hwtwBnztv6xYwUGzHAFRN9CpgXvlcpCriQmiXpMTke-K0xM4xAisYWt1zWoD5xwgTdft5e0OetxVKBg-gU0Xkat_FE5q8H6QnkjzqszmO4/s640/Midwest+Heritage+001.jpg" width="640" yda="true" /></a></div>
Frank D. Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09553291415988366101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375536069791589144.post-51043835082014010762012-08-21T17:57:00.001-07:002012-08-21T17:57:36.475-07:00Constitution Park<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98ur3EM9WaDz2h-4ykgwyHFs_JS1tXFjrjcsXtpJNc2RprR5tkGt2r2sV3Kbp_t3N0CehK3mysU_B76Uo1KJOEygGkT3e-pgIOXu961ACkz0pch7N8ExtA8fjNm_BRFr4t-kEPfQFALM/s1600/Constitution+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98ur3EM9WaDz2h-4ykgwyHFs_JS1tXFjrjcsXtpJNc2RprR5tkGt2r2sV3Kbp_t3N0CehK3mysU_B76Uo1KJOEygGkT3e-pgIOXu961ACkz0pch7N8ExtA8fjNm_BRFr4t-kEPfQFALM/s640/Constitution+001.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6o5uW49d7vQUS75iAUIHa0KzUFsFGLwgdxQOEZ57UZQ28T1UOLIDtwNhZOZ-5hcYXLdB_n2Q5kiMb62zUT_LL4zUZUd4iJ0uZumBkyeqtzoBDfXpXnEtTZtEjurqNQotM8e016kOKZA/s1600/Constitution+002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV6o5uW49d7vQUS75iAUIHa0KzUFsFGLwgdxQOEZ57UZQ28T1UOLIDtwNhZOZ-5hcYXLdB_n2Q5kiMb62zUT_LL4zUZUd4iJ0uZumBkyeqtzoBDfXpXnEtTZtEjurqNQotM8e016kOKZA/s640/Constitution+002.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4NE1O5_S-4v_eAUrNe0myOqBujjGOjd8Mx5Q-Sgx_JqOg8nSuobz7irSUe4hXOYHGPi4AchfmH3ggsgT_LAua3m2XRHikLmPCpSrET15bPzbBndQrNFc6mLe6ZzKdHNs3PFAaMVNwPs/s1600/Constitution+003.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN4NE1O5_S-4v_eAUrNe0myOqBujjGOjd8Mx5Q-Sgx_JqOg8nSuobz7irSUe4hXOYHGPi4AchfmH3ggsgT_LAua3m2XRHikLmPCpSrET15bPzbBndQrNFc6mLe6ZzKdHNs3PFAaMVNwPs/s640/Constitution+003.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Frank D. Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09553291415988366101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375536069791589144.post-21939734901667804552012-08-21T14:26:00.000-07:002013-03-29T04:47:44.529-07:00The Charitone Hotel Annex<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5D0Ca3d_SdnJ9yD7lhQnbd8nJjB2-35ToDdF6KDNjUMyVJEtYw874252XaoA0DaoV91plxWVK8EuqN0s3EH9R8ttnciGviQ1RHPYqwgE5XiSh0WR3uSfaOuvCMo8qsB6VPEcEeanXxLg/s1600/Annex+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5D0Ca3d_SdnJ9yD7lhQnbd8nJjB2-35ToDdF6KDNjUMyVJEtYw874252XaoA0DaoV91plxWVK8EuqN0s3EH9R8ttnciGviQ1RHPYqwgE5XiSh0WR3uSfaOuvCMo8qsB6VPEcEeanXxLg/s640/Annex+001.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Chariton entrepreneur George W. Larmer acquired the full lot upon which the Hotel Charitone and Charitone Annex now stand on Dec. 21, 1909, in the aftermath of the 1907 collapse of Chariton's First National Bank. The lot and many other assets had been deeded during June of 1903 by Smith H. Mallory --- then facing death --- during June of 1903 to his daughter, Jessie Mallory Thayer, to reduce the tax liability of his estate. <br />
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Jessie, with her mother held substantially liable for the 1907 collapse of their family bank, agreed during 1909 to transfer all family assets in Lucas County to the bank receiver. She deeded the hotel lot to him during September of that year and in December, he sold the lot to Larimer with proceeds going eventually to National Bank creditors.<br />
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When Larimer bought the lot, roughtly 80 feed south to north and stretching from North Grand Street east along Braden Avenue to the alley, all but a sliver of it was occuped by a large single-story wood-frame building that housed the Palmer Department Store, owned by Ann Palmer and her son, Charles H. Mallory had built the structure for the Palmers late in the 19th century on the site of the 1860s City Hotel, which he demolished.<br />
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During the summer of 1915, Larimer constructed a small building facing North Grand, just north of the Palmer building, to house Frank N. Handler's feed store.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRBGbyDxzOFyS8y1DpZA8_Q5d-OCcC9yPzOKjBh6E76yWz6ldCYIIYOtwNd-fdzMwO8y09v2YwTRpsGCWvWFJm6ZW-7Jg7vwz0Q_-QaRfo2MiOJPMj0kEx55UQiVwlFoAYGpcI_MvRjk/s1600/Annex+004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglRBGbyDxzOFyS8y1DpZA8_Q5d-OCcC9yPzOKjBh6E76yWz6ldCYIIYOtwNd-fdzMwO8y09v2YwTRpsGCWvWFJm6ZW-7Jg7vwz0Q_-QaRfo2MiOJPMj0kEx55UQiVwlFoAYGpcI_MvRjk/s640/Annex+004.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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During the night of Monday, Jan. 16, 1916, the Palmer Department Store caught fire and was destroyed entirely. The Handler Feed Store building also burned to the ground.<br />
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Larimer announced plans to rebuild in brick for the department store, then owned after the death of his mother by Charles H. Palmer --- or so Palmer claimed. As it turned out, Charles had engaged in trickery to obtain title to the family business and became involved in a long and bitter court fight over the fire insurance money with his sisters. The fight eventually was settled by the Iowa Supreme Court, but the business did not reopen. Laramer allowed his lot to lie fallow for the remainder of 1916.<br />
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Although the portion of the lot where the Charitone now stands remained vacant for several years, Larimer announced plans to build elsewhere on it during the spring of 1917. The Chariton Leader of April 12, 1917, reported that <em>"G.W. Larimer has arranged to erect a garage on Grand street, on the site formerly occupied by F.N. Handler, where the building was destroyed by fire. He also contemplates erecting a two-story double-room building to the east and just west of the alley, facing the street to the south. This will be for mercantile purposes below and flats above. The garage is to be occupied by C.O. McNeer."</em><br />
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On April 19, The Leader reported, <em>"Within a short time G.W. Larimer expects to erect a two-story double room brick building, by the alley just west of the library building. It is the intention of the People's Gas and Power Company to occupy one of the rooms with its offices and will establish headquarters here."</em><br />
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By July 26, according to the Leader, <em>"The two-story, double room building of G.W. Larimer ... is now ready for the roof and inside finish."</em><br />
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Larimer's new block was complete by Nov. 1, 1916, when Lizzie Cripps moved her White Front Hotel into the building. Mrs. Cripps had opened the White Front during 1913 in the Kull brothers' new building on the east side of the square. That building was faced in white brick, source of the hotel's name. The Leader of Nov. 1, 1916, reported:<br />
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<strong>WHITE FRONT MOVED</strong></div>
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<em>Now Occupies the New Larimer Block East of the Square</em></div>
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<em>Mrs. Cripps moved her White Front Hotel to the new Larimer building just east of the square at the northeast corner, and will continue to serve the public in the high class manner they have been accustomed to. The building has been fitted up especially for the purpose, is cheerful in appearance and well ventilated. The sleeping apartments are roomy and pleasing, with wide corridors, and everything is modern throughout. It is the intention to enlarge the facilities later on. Chariton should certainly appreciate this establishment --- hotel and cafe.</em><br />
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There were a couple of odd features about Larimer's new building. In the first place, it had no basement --- unusual for a commercial building on or near the square at that time. Work on a partial basement began late in the construction process, according to The Leader, which reported on Sept. 20, 1917: <em>"When some philosopher in natural history made the statement that the gopher commenced digging his hole at the bottom he was scoffed at. But we do know that G.W. Larimer has erected a building from the top. Recently he had built a double room, two-story structure just west of the library. Now he is digging a cellar under it and placing the basement walls under the original foundation."</em><br />
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Although the facade of the new building was constructed of high-quality face brick, comparable to that used in other buildings of the period on the square, the alley side and rear of the building were built of a somewhat odd type of brick and some construction details --- arched brick headers over the windows, for example --- appear old fashioned.<br />
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Part of the explanation for this --- purely speculative --- is that during 1915, Larimer had acquired a "large quantity of paving brick in Des Moines" that he brought to Chariton with the intention of building a brick block on the west side of North Main Street, a block and a half north of the northwest corner of the square. That project didn't happen and it is possible that those brick were incorporated into this building instead (see The Chariton Leader, Sept. 23, 1915).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5MW5C0a_7gJajemR68CZjVP2j9UB7V8iISSvDBc4vMWmznxwHtYdAcJMIAi11sfnvBQAUvXSw6UjVApjJfa57Z8xj05mxzmTdOeDZ8TonRJwxijyR2FFhJyu9K4uId8DXeMhuirjcnI/s1600/Annex+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" mda="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig5MW5C0a_7gJajemR68CZjVP2j9UB7V8iISSvDBc4vMWmznxwHtYdAcJMIAi11sfnvBQAUvXSw6UjVApjJfa57Z8xj05mxzmTdOeDZ8TonRJwxijyR2FFhJyu9K4uId8DXeMhuirjcnI/s640/Annex+006.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
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Larimer did not carry out whatever plans he may have had for the prime building spot on this lot, perhaps because his health began to fail (he died during 1924 at the age of 71).<br />
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During 1922, the vacant southwest portion of the lot ---and the Larimer building --- were sold to W.D. Junkin and and H.F. McCollough, who then announced plans for the Hotel Charitone, which opened during 1923. The White Front Hotel rooms on the second floor of Larimer's block were opened to the second floor of the new hotel and it became "the Annex."<br />
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Larimer retained ownership of the northwest corner of the lot, measuring 42 by 113 feet, and this was sold by his widow, Emma, during 1925 to E.C. and Helen Reese.<br />
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Late in the first incarnation of the Hotel Charitone, the Annex was sold off, the second floor converted to apartments with two retail spaces on the first floor. After a time of virtual abandonment, the Annex is now reattached to the Charitone through ownership by Hotel Charitone LLC. Although not a part of the current Charitone redevelopment project, the eventual goal is to bring the Annex back to life as well.<br />
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Frank D. Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09553291415988366101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375536069791589144.post-77194416632640865942012-08-20T12:53:00.003-07:002012-08-20T12:53:52.321-07:00Pierschbacher Funeral Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Frank D. Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09553291415988366101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375536069791589144.post-92068065643507799862012-08-19T17:38:00.003-07:002012-08-19T17:39:08.820-07:00Oppenheimer Block<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Frank D. Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09553291415988366101noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8375536069791589144.post-2867198500366973152012-08-19T17:35:00.002-07:002012-09-14T12:02:03.269-07:00Storie Building<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The Storie Building is one of four adjacent buildings at the north end of the west side of the square that were built during 1904 to replace earlier buildings destroyed in a great fire during early January of that year --- the Lockwood Building, the Storie Building and the Mallory Opera Block, which occupied four lots.</div>
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Dr. D.Q. Storie, a druggist and physician, had been in business in this location for many years prior to the fire and by 1904 had replaced his single-story wooden store with an elegant, narrow, three-story brick building that rivaled the Mallory Opera Block in detail although not in size. That was the Storie building that burned during January.</div>
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The Chariton Herald reported in its March 3, 1904, edition that "work has been begun by D.Q. Storie on clearing away the debris from the site of his burned store building, prepatory to building the new one. The work of clearing on the other ruins will begin soon, and building will commence within a few weeks."</div>
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On Dec. 8, 1904, The Chariton Patriot reported that, <em>"The Storie building is not yet quite complete but will be in a few days, when the lower floor will be occupied by the Storie & Patton Drug Co. The entire upper floor will be occupied by Dr. D.Q. Storie Jr., as offices."</em></div>
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The four new buildings, although distinctive, were designed to harmonize --- perhaps by Chariton architect O.A. Hoaglund. We know that his design for the new Lucas County Home had been selected by county supervisors that year, but the four new commercial buildings cannot be officially attributed to him.</div>
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The four buildings are marked by elegant, but restrained, detail and harmonizing shades of pale brick. As built, the cornice of the Storie Building was crowned by a cartouche that projected high above the roof and was elaborately framed in brick. Only the lowest portion of the cartouche remains now, however, and the building has within the last year acquired a rather alarming coat of red and yellow paint.</div>
Frank D. Myershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09553291415988366101noreply@blogger.com0