619 N Main

Today, 619 N Main is home to the Et Cetera Shop, a thrift store operated by Mennonite Central Committee (MCC). Over the years many businesses have come and gone from this building originally known as the Boyd Building.

Built by Dr. Gaston Boyd, one of Newton's first doctors, in 1896. Dr. Boyd came to Newton in 1871 and attended the men injured in the gunfight in Hide Park on August 20, 1871. Boyd initially built the building for his medical and surgical practice on the site after tearing down of his wood "bridal cottage." He also offered rental space for other businesses.

In 1913, F.W. Woolworth's opened at 619 N Main, and eventually expanded to three store fronts. The building was remodeled in the 1920s to the current facade. The original facade appears to have had a cornice.

This building also served as a Ben Franklin's store for many years in the 1970s and 80s.

(Billie Wilson)