With the anniversary of its collapse now at hand, the Walker County Historical Society is planning to honor the building that once stood as the oldest in LaFayette. Expected to be placed on the grounds of the Marsh House, the historical display will showcase a printed history of the old Marsh mercantile store.
The frame will make the tribute truly unique, said Walker County Historical Society President David Boyle.
Created by local craftsman Zachary Jones, the display's casing incorporates materials Boyle collected from the rubble of the fallen structure with permission from the owner. In the frame, spectators will find a few of the handmade bricks that once formed the exterior of the 180-year-old building, as well as rustic wood that once lined the interior of the store.
The Marsh mercantile store's commemorative display was crafted using bricks and wood collected from the rubble following the collapse of its north wall. (Contributed photo by Zachary Jones)Though the display stands at just about 2 feet tall, Boyle said it has huge significance for local history-lovers because of the impact the building had on the city during its earliest days.
Located on the corner of Villanow and Main streets, the old brick store was built in the late 1830s by Spencer Marsh. Throughout its nearly two-century lifetime, the structure was home to a revolving door of businesses, such as the Warthen Drug Store, Loach's Pharmacy and Security Finance Company, to name a few.
"The building housed many other businesses in the 20th century," said Boyle. "It was central to the development of LaFayette and Walker County economically."
The building's impact wasn't all about business, though. According to Connie Forester, Marsh House historian, the mercantile had just as much of a social impact for locals during its glory days.
"The lunch counter/soda fountain was a popular place for children and young people to meet after seeing the movie at the Palace Theater," Forester wrote in a report detailing the history of the building. "Loach's Pharmacy had the best ice cream in town."
The building also stood strong as the 1864 Battle of LaFayette raged around it, leaving Minié ball scars and gunpowder stains, she continued, which imbued it with even more historical significance before its north wall collapsed on Feb. 22, 2018.
Planners hope to install the display in time for the historic home's next tour season, which begins in March.
Though Boyle said historical society members are looking at a spot in a foyer near the back door of the Marsh House for possible placement, the final call will be made by Davene Nichols, the house-museum's furnishing chairperson.
Email Myron Madden at mmadden@timesfreepress.com.