Snook Block / Printz Building - 1234-1242 Liberty St.

Prior to 1860 dilapidated stands stood in this area called Rat Hole Row. The discovery of oil brought with it numerous trade and business centers requiring the substantial buildings that now line Liberty Street.

This Italianate style building was constructed in part in 1883 and a second half in 1888. At that time it was known as the E. W. Snook Block, housing the Snook & Co. Hardware. In 1901 Charles Reisinger purchased the business and renamed in Franklin Hardware which remained in operation under various ownerships until 1999.

The two upper floors, now vacant, surround a center atrium and were formerly used by the Y.M.C.A., Franklin Library, Knights of Columbus, numerous civic clubs, small businesses and oil production offices. For years the building was also known as the Printz Block with the Printz Clothing Company having its corporate office on the second floor.