This three-story building is the only
structure in town that has had the same owner and the same first floor
business since it was built. The Gibson brothers had a candy and peanut
stand on a sidewalk lot on South Main until 1901 when they were forced
to close it. They then bought this lot from Richard Brown who had a
peanut and shoeshine stand on the lot with a sign that read, "Brown,
Jesus & Company." The Gibsons operated their business
from Mr. Browns stand until they demolished it and built this
building in 1905. With its modern 1930s black vitrolite storefront,
this building has been important part of Oberlins 20th
century commercial development. From 1907 to 1910 Oberlins first
silent movies were shown on the second floor.
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