In October 1927, the Masonic Building Association announced they would be erecting a new 25 by 60-foot brick building adjoining the Security National Bank.
The brick façade of this building carries over the general design of the adjoining building at the corner. It has a stepped parapet at the front. The building does not extend to the alley. On the ground floor, the building at 106 College extends across the back butting up against 420 1st, while the upper floor going all the way across 420 is the Masonic Temple Lodge #42 F&AM.
What was here before? A wooden building first appeared in 1888 and housed, at various times, a printing office, meat market, and shoe shops including John Borgstrom’s, and then, from 1919, Bunnell’s shoe shop. Apparently, this was a good location for cobblers. The wood-frame building was removed to another location when construction began.
On April 13, 1928, Charles R. Bernard’s new men’s clothing store opened in the new brick building.
Bernard sold the business to Elmer Hansen August 4, 1944. He changed the name to Hansen’s Men Store.
The name changed to Olson’s Men’s Wear in 1949 with the change in ownership to Al and Buddy Olson.
In May 1956, Harry Mosman took over renaming the store to Mosman’s Clothing & Sports Shop.
In the spring of 1962 Mosman remodeled the front of the store to a modern look with large display windows to stand out under the new block-long awning.
Mosman’s Clothery was the building’s longest tenant, selling clothing and accessories for 26 years by the time Harry Mosman retired in October 1982.
A succession of businesses followed including another shoe shop, Noah’s Ark, Ol’ Homestead, Kay’s Variety Store, Christian Ministries, and Treasures Unlimited.
Mary Base opened West Plains Karate, the next long-term tenant, in 1998.
While it underwent an ownership change, the martial arts center offered classes until the Corona virus pandemic curtailed in-person operations and the business closed June 30, 2020.
Joan Mamanakis
One Response
Loving the history of Cheney,ty.