611 N Main

Dickey's Drug Store, 1871

Redesign 1920s, Architect Ed Forsblom. .

NR KR

One of the most distinctive buildings on N Main is 611 N Main, sometimes called the "Terra Cotta building," it features exceptional terra cotta tile facade with tiles in two shares of green with yellow sunflowers. (Photos 3 & 4)

611 N Main was the home of Dickey's Drug for 80+ years.

John B. Dickey was born in Michigan in 1848, where his father was a practicing physician. No doubt he learned much from his father about the pharmaceuticals that would help him in his chosen business. At the age of 22, Dickey headed to Kansas and settled first in Wichita where he worked as an "assistant postmaster." He began to hear about a proposed town north of Wichita and the adventures of a cattle drive. He resigned his job to herd cattle. While working as a cowboy, he contracted malaria. He went to the new drug store in Newton owned by W.P. Pugh for quinine. He argued with Pugh over the high price of the drug. The argument ended with Dickey buying the business paying a monthly rent of $65 to Pugh for the small wood frame building. In June 1871, he opened "Dickey's Drug" in Newton. A year later, building was destroyed by fire, but Dickey's Drug continued.

In 1879, he purchased a lot at 611 Main, Newton and built a new structure and for the next 80+ years Dickey's Drug was a Newton fixture.

By the turn of the century, Dickey added jewelry to his stock.

In addition to running his business, he served on the Newton City Council and as Mayor. Many civic projects, including Newton's Country Club and two public parks, Military and Themian Parks, succeeded because of his "unfailing optimism." In 1921, shortly before his death, he celebrated 50 years in business at 611 Main. J.B. Dickey died October 28, 1921.

The business remained in the Dickey family and the building was remodeled in 1929 to its current appearance by the architect Ed Forsblom.

After the Dickey's Drugs went out of business, this building was home to different businesses including Katydid, a popular clothing store. Today, it is part of the successful Kitchen Corner & Main Street Co, a clothing boutique and kitchen store.

(Kristine Schmucker)