History of
The Harrison Room
Built In1881
“When the new town of Flatonia was established, J. M. Harrison and C. E. Lane moved from the nearby village of Oso and opened a dry goods and clothing store at this site on North Main. In 1881 the frame building was replaced by the current rock structure with Allert and Redmond as the builders. By the beginning of 1883 the store had been reorganized as Harrison and Arnim, then as J. M. Harrison and Sons in about 1886, before finally passing from the hands of the Harrison family in 1931, after which – in 1932 – the storefront was modernized. It became a variety store in 1935 and then from about 1964 into the 1980s, it was a Ben Franklin Store.” —Flatonia, by Judy Steinhauser Pate
… J.M. Harrison & C.J. Lane moved their mercantile business
…from Oso to Flatonia with the coming of the railroad. Lane departed in 1883, and the business was reorganized as Harrison & Arnim, until Arnim left to build his own store. The building was then renamed J.M. Harrison and Sons around 1910...
… And In the Late 1920s
“At this time, the facade remains unchanged and boasts large double doors, detailed limestone architecture and a metal post supporting the large awning above (the awning doubled as a balcony as seen in the picture at the top of the page)” — Flatonia, Judy Steinhauser Pate