The architecture of this one-story commercial building could best be characterized by its utilitarian style and by the simple materials favored in small towns all over Oregon in the Post-World War II era. Constructed of cement block with unadorned geometric forms and large plate glass windows, though stylistically austere, it creates a good connection for pedestrians on the street with the offerings in the shop. Over the years its “blank slate” façade has accommodated various minor remodels that evolved to keep up with the times and disparate uses. Its inclusion in yhe Historic District derives in large part from its age and its simplicity, perhaps one of the best examples in town of the revolt against the elaborate, even fussy facades of the Victorian era, or the somewhat more restrained Art Deco style that followed.
This building was built on the site of the large Fuller’s Livery and Feed Store, a wood building that stood on the property until at least 1913. In that configuration, it served as the location for stabling, tack and carriages in support of the Gail Hotel across the street. At some point, likely well prior to 1939, that same wood building had been converted to Fuller’s Garage, with accommodations for 40 cars on a wood floor, probably offering repairs and other auto-centric services. Sometime after that date, the wood building no longer existed and c. 1948, the current concrete block building was built on the site.
The original occupant of the new building was very likely an auto parts store, most probably Western Auto, a locally owned “associate store” of the very popular national brand of auto related merchandise. Western Auto was at that location until c.1970 and then was apparently followed by a succession of auto parts stores, possibly Capitol Auto Parts, then Austin Auto Parts, then Car Quest until the year 2000 when Grandma’s Attic moved into the building. Since 2018, Stephen and Rachel Greco of Grandma’s Attic have owned the building (purchased from Art Johnson).
KEY REFERENCES:
- Library of Congress Sanborn Maps: https://www.loc.gov/collections/sanborn-maps/?q=dallas+oregon