The name of a recent occupant of this building suggests that it is best remembered as a mercantile or general store. The Mercantile Inn was located here during the 2010s, if my notes are correct. As was often the case with buildings like this, the owners may have lived upstairs, or it could have been a general commercial block with a fraternal lodge upstairs. It is the most architecturally significant commercial structure remaining in Collins, in my opinion.
Frank Morris writes: “No idea of who built it or exactly when, but it was owned/operated in the late 1800’s to 1900’s (?) as a General Store by my Grandfather W.L. Morris who lived at 302 Morris St NW in Collins until his death. He and his wife Lila are buried in the Baptist Church cemetery in Collins. I still have some of the ledgers from transactions made at the store.“
Singleton’s Grocery & Hardware was down the street from this building, and was a long-time good customer of my family’s wholesale hardware business. I worked many of their orders as a summer order clerk, and remember delivering some of them the summer of 1972, when I was a truck driver’s helper.
It suffered from a fire, some years back, and the building was I believe eventually demolished. A shame, but a common occurrence for many old buildings like that. Often the business closed when the owner died or retired, and no one came forward to continue the operation. A big loss to thew town when that happens.
I have seen the building featured when going through Collins on the way to places west, and wondered about its history. I am glad you photographed it. A coworker of mine is from the area and may be able to shed more light on it. I will ask.
It is a beautiful building but was vacant most of the time I was growing up in the area. My grandparents owned a grocery store and dry goods store in the same block. I wish I had asked them about this building.
No idea of who built it or exactly when, but it was owned/operated in the late 1800’s to 1900’s (?) as a General Store by my Grandfather W.L. Morris who lived at 302 Morris St NW in Collins until his death. He and his wife Lila are buried in the Baptist Church cemetery in Collins. I still have some of the ledgers from transactions made at the store.
Great documentation of this grand old mercantile treasure, Brian. Hope you get more information and history about this estimable landmark.