Built by H. G. Damon in 1882, this impressive brick building occupies an entire block along Main Street.  That same year, one of Carthage's earliest merchants, R. H. Rose, relocated his thriving dry goods business here, where it remained for the next 46 years.

 

Rose began his career as a store clerk before opening his own dry goods business in 1873. He became known not only for his business success but also for the respect and generosity he showed his employees.  Believing they should share in the prosperity they helped create, he made many of them shareholders in the company.

 

Over the decades, the building evolved to meet changing commercial needs.  The original mercantile space was divided into three storefronts, while offices occupied the second floor.  A wide variety of businesses operated here through the years, including hardware, department, shoe, and jewelry stores.

 

In the 1970s, the building's historic façade was inexplicably covered with a veneer of artificial stone.  Fortunately, the west side of the building still reveals many original architectural details, including its brick walls, limestone keystones above the bricked-in arched windows, and cast-iron columns manufactured by the Carthage Foundry. 

 

The history of this site extends even further back.  In 1851, John Shirley purchased this parcel and eventually acquired much of the north side of the Square.  He operated a successful inn, tavern, and blacksmith shop until much of Carthage, including the Shirley home, was destroyed during the Civil War.  Following the war, Shirley moved his family to Texas.  A historical marker in the sidewalk near 119 East Third Street commemorates his ownership of the north side of the Square.  His daughter, Myra Belle Shirley, later became the legendary Belle Starr, the "Bandit Queen" of the American West.