815 N Main

In the early 1880s, Newton was growing. The 'rougher' cowboys and the businesses associated with them had moved south to Wichita with the cattle trade. Town leaders focused on building a community with stable businesses. Several businesses were soon established along Main, just north of the railroad tracks between 5th and Broadway including banks, hotels and general stores. The Ragsdale Opera House at the corner of Broadway and Main was completed in 1885. North of the Opera House there was still plenty of room for businesses. The First Methodist Church was located at the corner of 7th and Main. The new Harvey County Jail had just been completed between on the east side of Main between 7th & 8th, otherwise few businesses had moved that far north. There were opportunities for growth in Newton, Kansas.

In 1883, 22 year old William Bergh, a native of Luxemburg, Germany, arrived in Newton Kansas. He was skilled at working with metal and within four years he established the Newton Cornice and Tin Works at 815 Main, next door to the Bretch Building which was built in 1888.

Bergh built the building at 815 N Main in the Italianate style which featured his skill with metal.

Bergh operated his business until 1918, when he retired. His obituary stated that "he was the owner of the largest cornice and metal works business ever constructed in Newton." Bergh died in 1933 at the age of 71.

Over the years, the building at 815 Main has been home to a number of businesses. Often the second floor served as apartments.

"First Hispanic business owner on Main Street"

In 1971, it became the location of Cuellar Sewing Machine Co. Rosalio 'Russ' Cuellar grew up in Newton. After graduating from Newton High, Cuellar worked for the Santa Fe Railroad, but soon he was looking for another opportunity. He started working for the Singer Sewing Machine Co as a salesman and technician. By 1967, he was able to open his own store in Newton. Four years later, he became the "first Hispanic business owner on Main Street in Newton" when he moved his business to the building at 815 Main.

In addition to his business, Cuellar served as a court interpreter and was active in various community organization and Our Lady of Guadalupe Catholic Church. He married Judy Macias in 1951 and they had six children. Cuellar died in 2010 at the age of 79.

In 2003, the building at 815 Main was included in "Main Street Historic District No 2" on both the National Register and Kansas Register of Historic Places.

The building was demolished in 2019.

Kristine Schmucker, Curator, Harvey County Historical Museum & Archives, published Voice of Harvey County.