His store started out in the basement of Mid-America Piano when it was located
at 406 Poyntz Ave. Later, Fred moved his store into the adjacent building to
expand.
In January 1989 the store had a new location at 404 Poyntz. With this move Fred
gained his own store front and display windows to showcase samples of
furniture. This building was owned by Richard Burke who had previously used
the building for Burke's Shoe Store. The office supply store continued to grow
and was soon too big for it's location again. Mid-America Office Supplies
remained in this location until early 1998.
In 1997 Fred purchased the old "Keller" building and started renovations so the
store could be moved for the second time. It was a wonderful expansion that
allowed us to showcase more furniture and more products. While renovating the
building we came across a couple of unique characteristics.
THE STAINED GLASS WINDOWS
The stained glass windows had been hidden by display units. They were uncovered
during the renovation, washed and lighted, to be shown off. No one is sure when the
windows were installed but possibly during the renovation in 1932.
THE VACUUM TUBES
There are 7 locations for the vacuum tubes. These were installed by Mr. Ward A. Keller
when parts for the cable exchange were no longer available. A large 3-horse, 3-phase
motor ran the operation.
Money and sales tickets were put in a canister, placed in the tube and whooshed upstairs.
Change and receipts were returned the same way.
THE TIN CEILING
The pressed tin ceiling was hidden by a dropped grill ceiling in the 1960's. Removal of the
plastic grills showed a beautiful example of artwork in the pressed tin. The pressed tin was
not the original ceiling though. Paper or paint decorations were found behind the tin.
THE ARCH
Spot Cash Department Store joined the largest grocery store in the city by means of an
arch. During restoration, a cemented-in arch was discovered behind the layers of
wallpaper. The painted in arch indicates the location and size.
