West side of Main as it was in ’28, ’47

Let’s take a trip down this particular portion of the west side of Main Street during two eras.

Businesses change, or move. Changes occur constantly. So I will list the businesses in the year 1928 and then 19 years later in 1947. Remember, I said businesses constantly change and move around, so when you see a business that you know was located in a different location… it moved there! Let’s start with the most prominent building in the picture.

The Unity Building, Merchant & Miners Bank, 116 N. Main St., home to the Merchant & Miners Bank. The upstairs had changing tenants in the offices. In 1928, the offices were occupied by Dr. George Sanz, attorneys T.E. Sinnard and A.G. Young, and livestock dealers Henry and Dewey Byler. In 1947, Charles D. Tudor, attorney, is listed.

The south door of the Unity Building, 114 N. Main St., was a jewelry store most of the time. In 1928, it was the home of the Zaumseil Jewelry Co. In 1947, it was the Drachenberg Jewelry, which most of us remember. Note the beautiful neon jewelry sign above the store.

112 N. Main St. in 1928 was the home of Allen Shoe Store. In 1947, it was the location of the Kroger Grocery Co.

The next building is 110 N. Main St., and the sign says Purkiser Ice Cream (later known as Teel Drug). But in 1947, it was the Newman Appliance store!

Now we cross the alley to 108 N. Main St., which started out as a bank, but in 1928 was the insurance office of Harry Hulett. The office of Dr. Dumbald was upstairs. In 1947 it was the Home Land & Loan Co., with A.D. Hatten in charge.

Continuing south, 106 N. Main St. was known as Solomon Clothing Co. in 1928. In 1947, it was the Baird Supply Co., home of the Firestone store.

Next door, at 104 N. Main St. was Marr Grocery Store No. 7. Now this is the one that will throw you… in 1947 it was The Royal Furniture Co! Most of us remember the Royal on the east side of Main.

Now we are at 100 N. Main Street, the Webb City Bank. Upstairs, in 1928, were the offices of Dr. Cox, Dr. Kuhn (dentist) and Dr. W.W. Waggoner. In 1947, the offices  were occupied by Dr. George Wright and Dr. Fred Carney (dentist).

Let’s head across Broadway to 2 S. Main, which in 1928 was Coney Island, Webb City’s first hot dogs! In 1947, it was known as Russell’s Cafe.

Of course, at 4 S. Main St. was the Kress 5 & 10 Cent Store.

Now we have 8 South Main, the Zinc Ore Building, and surprise, in 1928 it housed the Webb City Bakery, with attorneys M.R. Lively, Thomas Roney (owner of the building) and Ray Watson in the upstairs offices. In 1947, Gamble’s was on the ground floor, with attorney Wayne Wheeling above.

Across the alley, is a small little building at 10 S. Main and has been mostly cafes. In 1928 it was the White House Lunch. In 1947 it was Randall’s Café and the office for Webb City Cab Co.

This small building coming into existence changed the addresses along Main Street. The building next door was always known as 10 S. Main, but it had to give up that address and became 10½  S. Main. The original B.C. Wanglin Book Store refused to use 10½ S. Main, just advertising they were located on Main Street. In 1928, the building held the Corl Book Store, and in 1947 you could eat there at James T. Hardy’s Restaurant.

Minerva Candy Co. was at 12 S. Main St. in 1928 and in 1947.

On the corner was Woods Department Store in 1928 and Day’s Super Market in 1947, with the upstairs occupied by Webb City & Joplin Ballast Co. and Webb City & Joplin Sand and Gravel Co.

In the distance is the recognizable roof line of the Newland Hotel in 1928. In 1947, it was known as the Newland Apartments Hotel.

Thanks for taking this little memory trip down the west side of Main Street in 1928 and 1947.