The Lowell Area Historical Museum is taking us on a stroll along Main Street and sharing the history of buildings in Lowell’s historic downtown. To learn more about Lowell history, visit the museum website to explore its collection of local artifacts and records.
Address: 207 E. Main
Date Built: 1905
Joint Owners when built: Dr. McDannell and Mrs. B. J. Peck
1st business: Marks Ruben, Clothing
Marks Ruben Dry Goods and Clothing store was at this location prior to the fire of 1905 which consumed the westernmost six stores in this block. After the fire when everyone was feeling discouraged, Marks refused to be downcast and said he was going to do business in Lowell. His persistent energy resulted in the success of the new “Negonce” building rising from the ashes so soon. He opened his business in two storefronts: 205 E. Main was Dry Goods and 207 E. Main was Clothing. About 1200 people visited his store on opening day.
In 1907, the clothing and dry goods stores were separated. Harvey J. Taylor succeeded Ruben in the clothing business with Taylor ordering a new stock of clothing from Chicago. Ruben fully retired in 1909 and J. Howard Payne, his head clerk, became his successor in the dry goods store.
Dr. McDannell’s physician’s office opened on the 2nd floor once again, 1905-1918. Later, it became the office of Dr. B. H. Shepard (1918-1954) with Dr. J.K. Altland (1929-1937) and Dr. Jas. A. MacDonell after 1937.
In 1935, a Bowling Alley was installed to provide a recreation center for families. There were four Packard Duck Pin Bowling alleys. Men were employed as “pin-setters”.
The Price-Rite Hardware of C. W. Cook and A. F. Armstrong moved here from next door after 1940 until 1949. From 1951-1954, it was the Story and Hahn Hardware (Ware Story and Gurney Hahn).
Gurney Hahn (above) owned and operated Hahn Hardware, 1954-1992, and was a partner with Ware Story preceding that, 1951-1954, a total of 41 years. He had merchandise stacked and hanging from floor to ceiling. (Photos, 1968). He personally helped customers problem solve. “The Lowell community lost a unique character, friend and its dean of businessmen when Hahn Hardware owner, Gurney Peckham Hahn, died at the age of 65, in 1992.” (Lowell Ledger)
It was Gurney’s Hahn Hardware, 1954-1992, and Bob Ford’s Hahn Hardware, 1993-2005. Pep Talk Red Arrow Spirit store operated here 2006-2017, and Fans in the Stands from 2018-2021. The new business which opened here on July 1, 2022, is called Wear Forward, and is a consignment shop for women’s clothing.
Here’s what the interior of Hahn Hardware looked like:
And here’s what 207 E. Main Street looks like today:
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