The Black Building

The Black Building

1900

Frank Lees wrote this long description of this building in 1976: Northeast corner of State St. and South Ave. (Veterans Square). Built by John C. Beatty in 1850. Building construction began in 1849, completed before Media became a Borough. Was once known as the Black Building and was occupied as a Dry Goods store operated by Ellis Smedley and the upper floor finished as a hall, was dedicated to the cause of temperance on February 16, 1850. Mr. Smedley's successor in business at this stand was Thomas D. Nelling, who subsequently gave place to Black and Sons, in turn followed by Hawley and Brothers. Was a post office 1853 to 1857. George Bartram Lodge #298, F. and A.M. once occupied the hall. Store was a grocery store for many years. This was the first lot sold by the County Commissioners, and it was purchased by John C. Beatty for $367.50 and as Media's first store sold groceries and feed. Later it was owned by William F. Campbell and operated as a feed store and garden and farm implements. Will. Calvert had charge of the store. The law firm of Butler, Beatty, Greer and Johnson now (1976) occupy the third floor, the old hall, as an extension of their offices, whose building is located at the corner of South Avenue and Jasper St., the old Charter National Bank Building. The building now (1976) houses the offices of First Federal Saving and Loan Assn. of Chester on the ground floor.

P-01233B

Print, Photographic

I. Frank Lees Collection

1233