E St, 4th to 5th, north side
The north side of the square has always been a bustling part of the downtown. In 1895, at the east end, the City National Bank is highlighted as a prominent financial institution. Other businesses include E.E. Stevens Drug Store, Mike Tilma’s grocery store, with Keene Bros. Photography above Tilmas, Zeilinger Bros., F.C. Scott’s large hardware store, Harper Bros’ general merchandise store, C.S. Taylor’s jewelry store, and A.M. Darling’s “Fair” general merchandise store.
The photograph above shows most of the businesses on the block in 1962. In January 1966, a downtown “facelift” project suffered a huge setback when fire destroyed Ohlinger Drug Store and Lee Store. Other businesses suffered smoke and water damage, including First National Bank, Zeilinger Hardware, Jack and Jill, Safeway Store, Hotovy Furniture, McVay Clothing, Sportsman Bar, and Tony’s Bar. Most of the buildings had relatively light damage but First National ended up removing the upper story of the bank and the adjacent building during renovation.
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