Massie Variety Store facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Massie Variety Store
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 Location in Illinois
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| Location | 110 S. Main St., New Canton, Illinois |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | c. 1850 |
| NRHP reference No. | 04000864 |
| Added to NRHP | August 20, 2004 |
The Massie Variety Store is a historic building located in New Canton, Illinois. It was built around 1850. This two-story brick building has an Italianate style. This means it has a design inspired by Italian Renaissance buildings. It was once a very busy store and a central part of the community for many years.
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The Massie Variety Store: A Community Hub
The Massie Variety Store building has a long and interesting history. It was built by John Webb between 1848 and 1850. He intended it to be a general store, selling many different kinds of goods.
From One Owner to Another
After John Webb, the building was sold to Amos Morey. Later, Melville D. Massie became a partner in the store. By 1872, Melville Massie owned the store completely. Under his ownership, it grew to be one of the biggest stores in the area by the 1890s.
More Than Just a Store
The Massie Variety Store was much more than just a place to shop.
- From 1865 into the early 1900s, the upper floor of the building was an opera house. This was a place where people could watch plays and performances.
- Melville Massie also helped local farmers. He acted as an agent, helping them trade their products along the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad.
A Changing Business
In 1918, Melville Massie's son, Harry Massie, began renting the storefront. Over the next few decades, the building housed many different businesses. It was a drug store, an ice cream parlor, a grocery store, and even a post office. The store finally closed its doors in 1948.
A New Life for the Building
In 1962, Roger Dudley bought the building from the Massie family. He turned it into a toy store. Later, his business became an antique store. This antique store operated until the 1980s.
A Recognized Landmark
The Massie Variety Store is an important part of history. Because of its historical value, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 20, 2004. This means it is officially recognized as a place worth preserving.
