The look of Livingston’s Main Street can be traced to Charles S. Hefferlin, who built at least twelve stores at different times along this thoroughfare. Friendly rivalry between Hefferlin and fellow developer A. W. Miles, who vied for similar importance of Second Street, engendered a lively debate over which would be the town’s “main” street. The Hefferlin Mercantile Company opened in this building in 1888, operated by Charles’ brothers John, William, and Orlando. Hefferlin’s stocked a myriad of goods from caps and boots to furnishings and groceries. In 1903, the store advertised free gold gild chinaware with cash purchase; “Give us a call when you are wanting Groceries and get your dishes FREE.” Tall windows, ornate brickwork, and a marvelous Coca-Cola advertisement painted on the side speak to a bygone era. Six tall chimneys and an outer stairway, now removed, once served the rooming house upstairs. The second-floor doorway remains intact. Since the 1930s, the Mint Bar has operated on the ground floor corner.
Images