627 N Main

This building was built in 1883 and still retains most of the original floor plan including a sliding ladder used to retrieve merchandise. In the early days, J. C. Penney's was at this location. Note the Penney's slogan when you enter the building, "The Golden Rule."

Most people know this as Anderson's, the oldest business on Main street.

Phil M.Anderson began working in 1892 selling newspapers on Santa Fe trains for the Murphy Brothers at the age of 15. In 1894, he went into business for himself purchasing an 8x16 foot stand at 420 N Main selling newspapers, candy tobacco, cold drinks, and homemade baked goods, which were made by his mother. He met every train from 5:00 am to 10:00 pm.

In 1900, his earnings allowed to move into a room at 422 N Main and buy 424 next door a couple of years later. He moved the business to 522 N Main in1929 when the new depot was built. He moved for a final time in 1938 to the current location at 627 N Main.

Today, the business is the oldest continually operating business in Newton and is still owned by a direct Anderson descendant, Phil Anderson III.

(Billie Wilson)