21 Apr Sowerwines
Where now stands a parking lot at the northwest corner of Jefferson and Franklin Streets had, at one time, many business activities.
The location housed the first wood structure courthouse, built in 1839 by John Tipton.
Court was held on the second floor and the lower floor was used for businesses.
Tipton interests sold the structure in 1856 to George J. Bippus, and it was used for sometime afterwards as a restaurant. The building burned in 1887 and was demolished, paving the way for a new three story brick structure.
The three story building housed Bendals and the Globe Clothiers in the early 1900s before becoming Sowerwines. Later, it was occupied by Collin’s Music Store into the 1960s, then set empty before being demolished to establish a parking lot for the Community State Bank.
Submitted by: Lowell Richardson