Downtown Columbia City History Tour Stop 8
South Main Street: Columbia City’s North-South Artery
Every community has a primary thoroughfare that defines its layout and movement. In Columbia City, that main north-south route is South Main Street. Beyond serving as a major travel route, it has long been a vital hub for business and retail activity.
The Washburn Building and Longtime Tenants
Today, we enjoy the delicious pastries of Blue Moon Bakery at the first address of the 100 block of South Main. Historically, this section was known as the Washburn Building. Remarkably, there has been a jewelry store in this area for over 100 years—Murphy’s Jewelers has operated since 1950.
In the early 1900s, the upstairs space housed the L. E. Pontius Photography Studio, where many of the era’s most treasured photos were taken. Nearby, the current location of the Elks Lodge was once home to the elegant Myers Restaurant, Ice Cream & Confectionary—widely regarded as the finest establishment in the area.
The Fire of 1910: A Turning Point
The first five business rooms of the Washburn Block were wooden frame structures with storefronts on the ground floor and second-story spaces above. The oldest of these buildings dated back to 1846.
On April 8, 1910, around 10:00 a.m., a fire broke out in the rear of Myers Restaurant. The flames spread quickly, reaching the Pontius Photography Studio above. According to newspaper accounts, the fire department arrived “in exactly three (3) minutes,” and soon five hoses were in action. A sixth hose, powered by the Little Cyclone Engine #2, drew water from a cistern located beneath the street.
As flames raged, volunteers rushed to carry out goods and equipment, placing them across the street on the Courthouse lawn. The militia was even called to protect the salvaged items. Despite the effort, the fire caused irreparable damage to the buildings, which had to be torn down.
Legal, Medical, and Manufacturing History
Moving further south along Main Street, you’ll find the law offices of Bloom, Gates, Whiteleather, & Shipman occupying a large portion of the block. This area also has deep roots in medical and industrial history.
Dr. Thomas Hamilton maintained a medical office here for nearly 40 years in the latter half of the 1900s. Earlier, in the early 1900s, the J. C. Miller Cigar Manufacturer produced approximately 120,000 cigars in just two years. Laid end to end, those cigars could reach from downtown to the current Columbia City High School and back.
At 119 South Main, Daniel Brothers Meat Market operated from 1899 to 1930. At its peak, the company employed 211 people and sold over 8 million pounds of meat annually. That’s enough to fill 235 semi-trucks—again, enough to stretch to CCHS and back.
Entertainment, Banking, and Beyond
For over 40 years, South Main Street has also been home to several banks. Horizon Bank stands today, following predecessors such as People’s Federal Savings Bank and Auburn Federal Savings & Loan.
Before the banks, this block hosted the Lyceum Theatre, a popular “Nickelodeon” movie house at 127 S Main. Just next door at 129 S Main, the Columbia City Hatchery operated for more than two decades during the 1900s.
A Street of Change and Continuity
From early cigar and meat production to today’s retail shops and legal offices, South Main Street reflects a wide array of business types and services. Despite the devastation caused by the 1910 fire, the street has endured as a place of growth, change, and economic activity. Whether you’re grabbing a treat, attending a legal appointment, or reflecting on history, South Main continues to serve Columbia City well.
Thank you to Pam Koch and Doug Clark for their outstanding research and writing of the article and the Whitley County Historical Museum for generously sharing photographs from their collection. Thank you to Columbia City High School’s WJHS 91.5 The Eagle for producing the audio recording.
