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.

In 1886, Ezekiah Palmer operated his business of upholstery at 619 N. Main. He also lived there.

In 1887, the first floor seems to be rented out to several different men. Dr. Gaston Boyd practiced medicine on the second floor of 621 1/2 N Main, but boarded at 602 Main. In 1886, Dr Boyd has his practice and home at 619 N. Main.

In 1891 fire destroyed the previous building at this location owned by W.M. Tipton, Leadville, CO. The newspapers reported that "only charred stone" remained.

The current structure was built by Dr. Gaston Boyd, the first doctor in Newton, 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 2nd floor. He offered the first floor for rental space for other businesses.

In 1911, F.W. Woolworth's opened at 619 N Main, and eventually expanded to three store fronts. Boyd remained on the 2nd floor. 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 & Kristine Schmucker)