102-104 W. Main
Address: 102-104 W. Main
Date Built: 1901; 1905 Builder: Merritt Wright; rebuilt after Flood of 1905 1st business at 102: Miss C. R. Bosworth, Millinery 1st business at 104: Fred Ringler, Harness In 1901, the old tailor shop here was moved to “River Street north of the Lyon Block” so that Merrit Wright could construct a new building. Damaged in the Flood of 1905, the “new building” had to be rebuilt. The building has seen many businesses over the years. 102 W. Main – In 1913, the Durand Creamery opened. It was the Lowell Coal Company office of E. P. MacFarlane in the 1930s-40s. In 1949, Bruce Walter purchased the business. In 1955, it was Walter’s Lowell Lumber & Coal- Hobby and Work Shop Tools. In 1957, Lowell Academy of Music gave musical instruction here then Modern Photographics expanded here. It was The Creative Party Bug, 2019 then Bella Grace Boutique. 104 W. Main – Lowell Steam Laundry was to be the first business in 1901 but by July 1902, Fred Ringler had opened a Harness shop. In 1910, it was a restaurant. In 1913, Will C. Stone had a tailor shop here and in 1918 it was a dry cleaner. The Palace Dry Cleaners operated by Carl Freyermuth and Ed Keil was here in the 1940s. Beauty Salons occupied the second floor in the 1960s. In 1976, Roger VanVleck and Jim Maatman opened a full-service photo studio called “Modern Photographics”. In 2007, it was reborn under the new ownership of Brandon and Emily Mulnix. Hairstudio was also here in 2012. Holly’s Critter Care, pet grooming, started here later. Images: The eastern half of the building is one-story; the western half is two-story to accommodate the apartment above. Originally, Mr. and Mrs. Wright lived in the apartment but by the flood of 1905, it was home to his widow. Exterior in 1966. “Flood of 1905” photo shows 104 W. Main (the 2-story building) leaning. |