Built as a mixed-use office building by J. W. Upchurch, this structure [tall building, center right, above] was home to many doctors, dentists and lawyers over the years. It was also known as the Business Exchange. For a time it was also home to the National Weather Bureau. Ron Stevens recalls: Before I began a career in the National Weather Service, as a kid I would ride my bike to the Upchurch Building and go to the old Weather Bureau office there…and hang out. The two employees there would let me walk on the roof and get readings from the weather instruments there. The view was wonderful, down to Florida. Before the Weather Bureau closed in Thomasville, they spent the final year or two at the new “Federal Building”, but it was never as special or memorable as my visits to the Upchurch Building in the ’60s.
Thomasville Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
I’m wondering if the Upchurch Building had an elevator when it was first built, and if not, when? How would I find out?
Before I began a career in the National Weather Service, as a kid I would ride my bike to the Upchurch Building and go to the old Weather Bureau office there…and hang out. The two employees there would let me walk on the roof and get readings from the weather instruments there. The view was wonderful, down to Florida. Before the Weather Bureau closed in Thomasville, they spent the final year or two at the new “Federal Building”, but it was never as special or memorable as my visits to the Upchurch Building in the ’60s.
Mr. Stevens,
I am working on a project for the Flowers’ Bakery in the Old post office on broad St. I have a photo taken in 1915 of a Mr. Olin M. Hadley in his US Weather Bureau office located in the top of the Old Post office. This may have been before moving to the Upchurch building. I would welcome an email as I have some additional questions.
Thank you,
Martin
I believe the Thomasville Restaurant was on the ground floor, owned by Aurthur Cathonis. His daughter married my uncle Joe Titus.
Hello, my memory fails me just a bit, but I believe the stone faced building next to the Upchurch building is the former Citizens & Southern bank of Thomas County. I remember it as having been right in close to that area and when the bank was open there was a clock on the outside.
Just talked to my Aunt, she said the bank wasn’t in the Upchurch Bldg., but didn’t know what was in it.
Thanks, Joan. It still could pass for a bank in a pinch!
Upchurch Building?
I am not 100% sure, but I think it was the Bank of Thomas Co. My aunt worked there right out of high school.
Thanks, Joan! I’ll see what I can find…