6th & Main - Peter Luhn's Pioneer Store

Several Newton's earliest business, including some of the most notorious, were established in the 500 Block of N Main. Since the east side of the 500 block had a major fire in 1914, the buildings on the west side of the street are some of the oldest in Newton. Unfortunately, over time, styles have changed and so have the facades. The actual buildings though can be traced back to 1880-1890.

In late April 1871, the lumber for Peter Luhn's Pioneer Grocery arrived. Luhn hired carpenters to begin building immediately at structure at 6th and Main.

The Newton Kansan reported in April 13, 1893, that Peter Luhn's store sustained $1,000 worth of damage to the building and $11,000 loss of contents in an early morning fire that occured at 6th & Main. Also destroyed was J. Weigand Cigar Store. The editor noted that Luhn's store was the first building on the townsite in the spring 1871 and the "the only building to escape the great conflagration of 1873."

***Note: The first building in Newton is either A.F. Horner's, Peter Luhn's or Robert Walton's depending on the source.

Kristine Schmucker, Curator, Harvey County Historical Museum & Archives