Swezey & Newins Department Store (1 West Main Street) got its start in the Fishel Building in 1894. When 27-year old Arthur Swezey was fired from his job at Hammond-Mills for saying he wanted to own the store, he and Fred Newins opened Swezey & Newins Department Store across the street.

The Fishel-Swezey building was Victorian Second Empire architecture complete with 3-story tower, mansard roof and rounded windows in the cupola. Emerson Terrell built it in 1869. Owner Smith W. Conklin added a large clock to the tower in 1914. After a 1946 fire, Swezey’s was remodeled minus the clock tower and third floor. For decades, Swezey’s Department Store was the place to shop for quality goods and clothing.

Turn left and continue down West Main Street to look across the street