Alex Prus and Laura Kross

JAMM225

Mapping Main Street: Second and Third Streets

Late 1800s: Moscow Main Street

1878: The City of Moscow was platted on Washington and Main streets form A to Sixth Street.

This red box depicts the block between Second and Third Streets on Main.

Here is an early view of Moscow’s Main Street. The leftmost building housed George Weber’s Harness Shop, one of the earliest businesses

in the area.

1884: Intersection of Third and Main Streets

George Weber, front left, operated the saddle shop in the present day Sister’s Brew Coffee House.

1888: Gentlemen of Moscow

George Weber, left, in his harness shop.

Late 1800s: George Weber’s Harness Shop

1890s: Commercial Block

Issac C. Hattabaugh, President of the Commercial Bank, built the Commercial Block, seen above, in the 1890s. A series of offices and small businesses took the available spaces throughout the years. The space was occupied by a druggist, milliner, tailor, jeweler, and a book seller. On the street level, a restaurant and bakery occupied the space. The second floor was occupied by lawyers and physicians and now the floor are apartments.

Established on the first floor in the northern side of the Commercial Block building on W.

Main St. After a few years of running, J.L. Brown

bought the newspaper. Then, H.C. Shaver bought it from Brown and changed the title of the newspaper to “North

Idaho Star.”

1886: Star of Idaho Newspaper

Spicer Block was built on E. Main St. in 1898 by William H. Spicer. The Badger Store was one of many early general stores and businesses to occupy this area. In 1896 Frank David was commissioned by the Spokane & Eastern Bank of Spokane to sell stock from a bankrupt customer. He opened a grocery store on in Spicer Block. David moved his business in 1899 to the Dernham and Kauffman building on the corner of Main and E. Third Street.

1898: East Main Street, Spicer Block

The Spokane and Eastern Bank of Spokane opened a branch in Spicer Block on the corner

of Second Street and Main in 1900. In 1906 the Spokane and Eastern Bank of Spokane was

purchased by Hawkin and Andrew Melgard (brothers) and was called The Moscow Branch

of the Spokane and Eastern.

The Moscow Branch of the Spokane and Eastern was officially called The First Trust

and Savings Bank in 1914.

In 1896 Frank David was commissioned by the Spokane & Eastern Bank of Spokane to sell stock from a bankrupt customer. He opened a grocery store in Spicer Block called David’s, pictured above. David moved his business in 1899 to the Dernham and Kauffman building on the corner of Main and E. Third Street.

David’s Store

David’s store moved to corner of Third and Main in 1899.

Southeast corner of Third and Main

George Creighton came to Moscow with Adolph Nelson in 1890 and opened Chicago Bargain House.

George Creighton

The Chicago Bargain House became Creighton, McClellan, & Hall in the Smith-Dolson Building. It finally became Creighton’s, one

of Moscow’s oldest businesses.

Creighton’s

Creighton’s window display

Picture taken in 1948

Meat market owners, Holt & Robertson, built this building located on SW Main in 1892. It was built after the original building burned down. The south part of the beautiful created façade was later part of the First Security Bank of Idaho. The Free Coinage Saloon, a meat market, a shoe store, and other

various merchants occupied this building.

The Free Coinage Saloon was owned by George Rubedew and operated from 1892-1908. During that time, many people along Main Street frequented the

saloons. Even the storekeepers had charge accounts at the saloons. Their customers were able to go and receive refreshments and charge it to various

stores’ accounts. The saloon closed in 1908 due to liquor being outlawed.

1900: Intersection of Third and Main

The First Trust and Savings Bank moved across the street to W. Main between Second and Third streets in 1921.

1921: Southeast corner of Second and Main

1911: Intersection of Third and Main looking north

The red box shows Spicer Block.

In 1917 the Commercial Block, located right of Creighton’s became known as the Forney Building.

1918: Intersection of Main and Third Streets, Fourth of July parade

The red box encloses Main between Second and Third Streets.

1918: A view of Main Street looking north

1925: S. Main and W. Third Streets

Creighton’s can be seen where Cactus Computer Co. is now located.

Vandal Café, Shorty’s Billiards and the Jewelry store occupy Spicer Block in 1940s.

Intersection of Main and Third Streets

In 1946 The First Trust and Savings Bank was purchased by Charles Canfield and then the First Security Bank of Idaho under the management of Frank K. Dammarell. It was renamed the First Trust and Savings Bank, First Trust Branch.

NE corner of Third and Main

The First Security Bank is pictured left in its last location.

1940s: Intersection of Third and Main Streets

Creighton’s, to the left, is still in business in 1964.

1964: looking north on Main from Third

A fire destroyed Spicer Block in 1953 and renovation of the buildings began soon after. Three separate buildings were constructed after the

fire. The middle building was completely rebuilt and inscribed with "O'Conner 1953" after the owners. The building located on the corner of East Second Street and Main is named the Crossler building after

its owners.

1979: E Main Street, Modern day Spicer Block

All pictures courtesy of Latah County Historical Society and the University of Idaho Library’s Special Collections.