304 E. Main

Address: 304 E. Main

This block once known as the Old Wooden Row was the first business block in Dansville (Lowell). Built between 1846 and 1870, it contained 11 wooden buildings along the south side of Bridge (Main) Street between Monroe and Washington Streets. This was the second building east of Monroe St.

The early history of this building is not known. In 1882 a business called “The Fair Store” advertised getting “New Goods.” What kind of goods they received is unknown.

Mr. and Mrs. John Robertson lived upstairs and conducted a Boot and Shoe business in this building from 1892 to 1897. They were neighbors of the Frank Johnsons who lived two buildings to the east at the same time. Mr. Johnson, editor of the Lowell Ledger, editorialized that the Robertson building was clean, business-like and home-like place in those days, and better neighbors no one ever had than Mr. and Mrs. Robertson.

In 1897, Dan Bush decided to embark in the baking business at this location. Next it became the second-hand store of H. H. Reed.

On July 11, 1907, the building was mostly destroyed in the fire that started in the Laundry, two buildings to the east. Reed was a confirmed spiritualist and had been warned against fire. As a result, he had recently added to his insurance policy insuring his building and contents for $1800.

The building was repaired and continued as a second-hand store. At some point, Ben Wepman purchased it for his fur business. In 1937, Wepman planned to build a new brick double store to replace this building and the one to the west which he also owned. Instead, this building was torn down and by 1938, there was a filling station at this site. Wepman changed from dealing in furs to selling "Gent’s Furnishings" in a store on the bridge east of the old Post Office.

Images:

304 E. Main the second building east of Monroe Street, 1896
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Ad for John Robertson, 1892.