216 -220 N. Main

The buildings at 216-220 N Main are among the oldest buildings on Main that retain much of their original facade. According to the 1884 Sanborn Fire Insurance maps there was a wood frame building at this address. By 1899, the building had acquired its current facade.

Businesses at 218-220 N Main

Between 1885 and 1887, W.P. Brown operated a grocery store and lived at 220 Main. Brown also added on to the back for a real estate office.

The 1896 Sanborn Fire Insurance Map indicates that there was a Tin Shop located at 220 N. Main with "specials," although the back part of the building remained wood frame. "Specials" on the maps indicated that modifications had been made to the building because of the business it housed. Perhaps this is when the current facade of the building was installed.

By 1890, Peter Park's City Meat Market opened. At first Park was in a partnership with Sam Burchart, however, it dissolved 9 February 1894. Park continued on with his Meat Market at 220 N. Main.

The earliest photo of the 220 N. Main building was taken in October 1899 during the Newton Street Fair and during Peter Park's ownership.

An "instructive" Bible study was held at 220 Main by Evangelist N.E. Baker from Arkansas City in September 1910. With a Bible class at 7:30 and 8:00 pm preaching all were encouraged to come to this free event. The announcement noted; "these meetings are quite instructive, and the teacher gets down into the scriptures and brings for valuable truths." (Evening Kansan 21 Sept. 1910)

In 1935, M. Fay Moore established her beauty salon at 218-220 N Main. The 1943 Newton City Directory lists Oscar Lee as a barber at 218 Main and Fay Moore as beautician at 218 B Main.

A variety of bars have been located at 220 N Main. In 1954, Newton Billiards was here followed by J& K Tavern in the 1960s. In 1984, the Legal Tender, advertised "Live Entertainment" in celebration of their tenth year in business. Today, 220 N. Main, an unassuming building with a long history, is the location of Jay's Place.

(Kristine Schmucker)