Dual Origins: Two Buildings, One History
This structure began as two independent buildings constructed in different years. Though they shared contiguous walls and eventually a single owner, they remained separate until the late 1950s, when they were physically merged. To maintain clarity, each building’s history is presented separately until that point.
116 West Main Street: From GAR Hall to Department Store
Early Construction and Use
- Circa 1874: Built by William Snipes and partners.
- 1886 Map: Ground floor housed a grocery and hardware store; the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Hall occupied the second floor until at least 1898.
The Smith Café Era
- 1903: Purchased by Sanders “Doc” Smith, who opened Smith’s Café.
- Offered homemade ice cream, a soda fountain, and light fare like coffee and candy.
- Known for Olive Smith’s spice cakes, remembered fondly by local resident Hortense Hanna.
The Gates Family: Tragedy and Transformation
- 1923: Sold to Emma Gates and her sons, Carl and Joseph.
- Business innovations included:
- County’s largest soda fountain (1923)
- Electric sandwich machine displayed in the front window (1925)
- Interior redecorated with new paper, floors, and electric appliances
The Bonham Incident (1926)
- Carl and Joseph Gates assaulted Newton Bonham, resulting in his death.
- Joseph was convicted of manslaughter; Emma was sued for $2,500.
- Emma sold the property and left town.
Beecham’s Dry Goods
- 1929: Bought by Marvin and Esta Beecham.
- Moved their dry goods business from other local storefronts into 116.
- Renovated with a new brick façade and recessed display windows.
- Acquired 118 West Main in 1947 but continued leasing it until 1957.
118 West Main Street: A Grocer’s Legacy
Construction and Early Ownership
- Built around 1878 by William and John Snipes for their grocery store.
- Passed through various owners including William Townsend, R.W. Blair, and in 1905, Joseph Nysewander and W.R. “Ralph” Elliott.
W.R. Elliott Grocery Store (1909–1947)
- A local staple for nearly four decades.
- Notable innovations:
- Donut machine installed in 1929 drew curious crowds.
- Known for extending credit during the Depression and aiding many during wartime shortages.
- Elliott passed away in 1947, ending an era.
The Pavy Years
- 1947: Store sold to Robert and Letha Pavy, ex-GIs from Indianapolis.
- Anecdote: In 1950, Pavy placed groceries in metered parking spots to reserve room for deliveries.
- Closed in 1954, citing the need for remodeling they couldn’t undertake as renters.
Beecham’s Department Store: A Unified Legacy
1957 Renovation and Unification
- Beechams merged 116 and 118 into one storefront.
- Renovations included:
- Cutting archways between the buildings
- New Bedford stone façade
- Large display windows
- Created a modernized department store reflecting the mid-century retail boom.
Beecham Family Legacy
- Marvin passed in 1969; Esta in 1974.
- Daughter Betty and husband Robert Hinshaw ran the store until 1976.
1980s–2000s: Variety and Reinvention
New Tenants- 1980s–2000s:
- Yogi’s Place (arcade and pool hall)
- Gym
- Freedom Press (printer)
- Comfort Zone Coffeehouse (opened 2001 by Roger and Nancy Hoffman)
- Mission Control Gaming Center & Plainfield Computer Shop
- Contender’s Wrestling
- Rock Bottom Treasures (vintage shop)
2019–Present: Real Estate Revitalization
- 2019: Purchased and remodeled by CrestPoint Investments.
- Now home to CrestPoint Real Estate, run by Patrick Keller.
For a more detailed history of this building, be sure to check out Sarah Wright’s book, 50 Historic Buildings of Plainfield, Indiana, available for check-out or purchase.
