We have all heard from our parents and grandparents about how they remember Johnsonburg’s once bustling downtown. The stories from alumni about Pelp’s or Phelp’s restaurant are legendary, the Anna B. Shoppe, Rich and Grace Hair Salon and the much loved Johnsonburg News Stand are businesses that are still remembered. But, what about those businesses that started in this 45,000 square ft. structure when it was completed in 1890? Thanks to historian and author Kevin “Reg” Barwin we can go back to the beginnings of the Brick Block!
-Stephanie Distler
From the corner of Market and Bridge Street
569 (2) Market
Ground floor- United States Post Office (1892-1928), Lund Clothing (1933-1960), Morris Clothing (1963), Maree’s Style Center (1964-1969), Anna B. Shoppe (1969-19__), Gloria B. Shoppe (19__-19__), Bloam’s Radio Sales and Service (1981-198_),Widmann Discount Store (early 1980s), The Cherry Tree (mid 1980s), Panda Restaurant (later 1980s-2019), presently The Heritage-Education & Welcome Center, office of Johnsonburg Community Trust and Community Economic Development Coordinator (2024)
Second floor-Borough solicitor, Attorney W. Morningstar (1899-1902), Dr. Harvey Roberts dental office (1935-1940).
Third floor-Johnsonburg Borough (1892-?)
567(4), 565(6) Market- These are the addresses of the doors that lead to the upstairs apartments or offices.
563 (8) Market- J.B. White tailored ladies and men’s clothing and sold Rambler Bicycles late 1890’s to 1904. Grocery store in 1904, C. W. Richardson ran a “racket” store (1905-1909). Wolf Stein 5 & 10 cent store (1909-?), Ridgway Electric Company and predecessor West Penn Power (1924-1948+), Richard Anderson Shoe Store (1965-?), Rich and Grace Hair Salon (1984-1989), Ultimate Hair Styling (1993), presently Kay & Rose Bakery, Co. (2024)
561 (10) Market- Grocery (1904), Dry Goods (1909), Louis Gross clothing (1909-192_), Anna B. Shoppe (1935-196_), Kay’s Tots to Teens (197?-1975), Lee’s Tots to Teen Shop (1975-?), Joseph James Law office (1985-1990).
559 (12) and 557 (14) were the upstairs law offices of Brahaney and Powell (Circa 1950-1970’s).
555 (16) Market- The Sunrise Clothing Store under Alex Steinfeld sold goods at this location in 1900. N. Nelson Lund opened a Clothing Store and tailor business (1900-1909?)Louis Gross operated a shoe store (1909-192_). Sam Marasco drug store (1940-1946), American Red Cross (1948-19__), Bucktail Bank combined 555 with 553 (1978-1987).
553(18) Market-Before combining with 555 to form Bucktail Bank 553 was home to Larson Hardware & Plumbing (Circa 1904), Kattie McIntire’s Millinery Store (1909-1915), Clayton Hill’s Drug Store (1916-1934), Morosco’s Drug Store (Circa 1935), Mowery’s Snack Bar (1948-19__).
551(20) and 549 (22) were upstairs offices or apartments.
547 (24) Market- Used for storage in 1890’s. Jacob Dubler opened Up-to-Date Tailor Shop in 1899 replacing M. Flynn, Shoe dealer. Johnsonburg News Stand started by Israel Rich (1904-1914), George Beaver and Josephine Menniti. Later, Chic and Evelyn Menniti.
545 (26) Market- George Murray Jewelry Store (1899-192_). Curtis Lewis ran the store in later years. Joe Marrone Meats (1946-1959, then purchased by son Anthony). Phillips Jewelry (196_-1969)., Marge Paladino’s Jo-Ann Fabrics (197_-197_), Creation Station (1986-1987), Fox’s Pizza (1988-2014).
543(28) and 541(30) were upstairs rentals. Dr. T.H. Sexton had a dentist office in 543 in 1890’s and Dr. McCabe, physician, either lived there or had an office in 1920’s.
539(32) Market- Quinn and Smith Drug Store (1899-1903), restaurant (1904-1908), Baker’s Ice Cream Parlor (1909-19__), H,L, Gardner Goodie Treats (1924), Munn’s Candy Store (Circa 1930’s), The Goodie Garden after that, Popelski’s Grill (Phelps) (1946-1967), Abplanalp’s Restaurant (1968), Franco’s Restaurant (1968-19__), Deb Haight’s Restaurant (19__-19__), Keneske’s Restaurant (1984-19__), Cherry’s Restaurant (1985-199_), Shooters Café (20__-20__). Cherry’s expanded their restaurant to include 537 Market.
537(34) Market- B. M. Barber Company Brokers of Stocks, Grains, and Provisions operated in 1899 followed by Johnsonburg Bankers and Brokers in 1900. New York Bargain Store in 1901 under B. Rothstein. Lund’s Suits and Stockings after that (1903-19__), Penny Rothstein’s Clothing Store, Paints and Wallpaper Store in 1916, George Mooseburger’s Radio Sales and Service (Circa 1935), Schreiber’s Radio Sales and Appliances (1946-1952), Western Auto (1958-1965+).
535(36) and 533(38) were upstairs apartments or offices. Dr. Noah Benner either lived there or had an office in 535 in 1935.
531(40) Market- J.H. Cunningham Jewelry Store (1901-19__), his partner L.S. Kinkead ran the City Bakery at the same time. John Kranking ran a bakery (1920-19__), Jones Paint Store, Beavers Dry Cleaners (Circa 1948), Sweet Williams Flowers (Circa 1985), Little Shop of Flowers (Circa 1993), Laundromat (1960-1976+).
529 (42) Market-Schwin’s Ladies Furnishings (1890’s), Funk Bros Meat Market and Swanson’s Meat Market early 1900’s, Hardware Store (Circa 1904), Johnson and Pray’s Meat Market (1910-1924+), Hoh’s Meat Market (Circa 1935), Dorio and Lorigan Paint Store (1946-1948), Jones Paint Store. Karn’s Restaurant opened in 1958 followed by Patty’s Snack Bar. Gary Dauber opened the Broaster (1965-66).
527(44) and 525(46) were upstairs apartments or offices. Dr, McCabe either lived in 525 in 1935 or had an office there.
523(48) Market-The first store to be occupied was 523. E. F. Cummings managed an express office and stationary store there in 1891. Johnsonburg Bargain Store (1899-1903+), Grocery store in 1904. W. S. Service Hardware and C.M. Service Hardware (-1909-1924+), State Liquor Store 1948 or before 1979?), ATA (1978-2000).
Reg Barwin May 2022