This unusual commercial structure has been identified in real estate records as the Inn Palace. Records also note that it sold beer and liquor. This could mean it was just a retailer or that it was a night spot or juke joint. The name leads me to believe the latter, and if that’s the case, it would likely have been a stop on the Chitlin’ Circuit.

The upstairs section is a bit of a mystery and could have been the owner’s living quarters or served another purpose, such as lodging.