Saint Mary’s Catholic Church:
Among the few remaining grand structures that serve as testament to the beautiful architecture and splendor of Newton’s financial boom sits at the northeast corner of 8th and Main Street. It was constructed in 1902 in the Romanesque Revival style. Two members of its congregation, Irish natives William and George Hanna, were hired to design and construct the church. The congregation built the school building in 1909 and, in 1914, the brick rectory was completed. In 1918, European artist, Theodore Brasch completed frescos on the interior of the church.
817-819 N Main:
The structure at 817 was built sometime between 1915 and 1917 and was first home to a grocery store, which was common at this address with names like Becker Grocery and Fey & Son Grocery. In 1958, Sherwin Williams was listed at this address. Today’s building at 819 was built around 1929 and was home to Enn’s Super Service Center, an auto service station, in 1934. An image of this business can be seen at the bottom of the page.
815 N Main:
The Bretch Building at 811 Main (left), which is no longer standing, and Newton Cornice & Tin Works at 815 Main (right) c. 1910 - Courtesy HCHS
This building was constructed in an Italianate style in 1888 by William Bergh, a metal worker, for his business, Newton Cornice and Tin Works, which he operated with his brother. Mr. Bergh was well known for his skill in the trade. In 1918, he retired and the building served as home to a variety of other businesses through the years. In 1971, it earned another mark in history, serving as home to the first Hispanic owned business on Main Street. Russ Cueller moved his sewing machine shop here where it operated until 2010. Today the building has fallen into disrepair and is at risk of demolition.
Enn’s Super Service Center as it appeared in c. 1933 - Courtesy HCHS 21 • Downtown Walking Tour