The Rock Hill Herald contained an ad on Feb. 26, 1916 – “For the Royal Cafe on Railroad Ave., in the Hutchison Building.”
The Herald reported on May 27, 1942 – “The Calhoun Drug Co., which has operated on Trade Street for 24 years has closed. The stock and fixtures have been sold to Dr. J.L. Phillips.”
City Directories and History: 1908 – John J. Sistar – Shoemaker, wife Elizabeth (143 West White St.), At #134 – Daniel W. Davis – Meat market, wife Julie E., (236 Rhea St.,), 1917 – Samuel Friedheim, M.D., (130) Royal Cafe, (132) Huey and Martin Drug Company (see 1922 ad for Calhoun Drug Co. and Huey-Martin Drug Company), (134) G.C. Deese, 1925 – Petel Connells, (Rooms at #130), 1936 – Calhoun Drug Co., 1946 – Elder’s Salvage Company, DeVores Cash Groceries, Friendly Billiards, Craig and Comer Furniture Company, 1963 – Friendly Billiards
The Yorkville Enquirer reported Oct. 27, 1905 that D.W. Davis, who for sometime who has conducted a meat market of Railroad Ave., has bought the market of Ervin Robertson on the corner of Main and Hampton Streets.
The Herald contained an ad for the Royal Cafe, on Feb. 21, 1914 – It listed the address as 130 Railroad Ave., the cafe expressed appreciation to the people of Rock Hill for patronage during our first year of operation. Our anniversary is Feb. 21, 1913. Look for the electric sign.
The Herald reported on March 9, 1914 – “S.S. Plexico is today moving his stock from the Wilson Building to the storeroom formerly occupied by J.M. Taylor in the Ratterree Building.”
The Herald reported on Sept. 21, 1918 – “Mr. R. Milwee Calhoun, properitier of Calhoun Drug Company, has been charged with selling intoxicant to a soldier in uniform. P.E. Rowell, a soldier from Camp Sevier, committed suicide after buying several bottles of “PawPaw” from Calhoun Drug Store on Railroad Avenue.”
The Rock Hill Record of Jan. 13, 1927 – “The G.C. Deese and Company (formerly the Southern Cash Store) was organized, with G.C. and Ethel P. Deese and owners. They offer general wholesale and retail merchandise.”
The City of Rock Hill began their urban renewal project to transform the city in the late 1960s and it continued into the early 1970s. It involved the demolition of hundreds of homes and private businesses in the African American area as well as the East Black, West Black, Johnston, Hampton, and Trade Street corridors were all affected. Within a short span, nearly 40% of Rock Hill’s older downtown buildings were destroyed to provide economic opportunities, benefiting a few businessman. As part of this action, the railroad lines were moved and a new bridge crossing over Black Street was built to also alleviate traffic jams created by trains but in doing so, the old Rock Hill Depot building was also razed.
But the most trans-formative aspect of the move was to add municipal buildings to the landscape; the Rock Hill City Hall, the Center for Aging, the Library and the Rock Hill Police Department buildings.
The Fort Mill Times of Feb. 26, 1920 stated, “Dr. W.H. Martin, who for several months has been the prescription clerk at the Lytle Drug Co., has bought an interest in the company. Before entering the service as a Lt., in 1917, Dr. Martin for several years conducted a drug store in Rock Hill, which he sold shortly after the U.S. declared war on Germany.” (Following WW I, Dr. Martin moved his business to Fort Mill, S.C.)
The McElwee Store ledger listed the Royal Cafe as an account holder in 1915 – 16.
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(The 1908 Rock Hill City Directory states Mr. Sampson Plyler had his business at #1 West Moore St., and he and his wife Lula, lived at 342 Elm Street. currently South Dave Lyle Blvd.)
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