In our 1878 view of West College this 1867 John D. Carpenter building was a 3-story structure.

 

Again in 1933 we see it as a three-story structure. If anyone here can remember the circumstances in which it lost its third floor, I would appreciate your call to O.H.I.O.


Photo of 1933 Centennial celebration looking over cabin down West College; O.H.I.O. Resource Center.

Evidence of the removed third floor is visible in the newer parapet and the concrete on the wall of the building next to it on the west. Over the years, the principal first floor business has been dry goods stores, and the Ben Franklin store, owned by the Cochrane family since 1935. The second floor housed the Sherman Telegraph School in 1874, and in 1883 the Oberlin Business College was on the second floor.