Photograph as originally submitted to this page in the Historical Marker Database www.HMdb.org. Click on photo to resize in browser. Scroll down to see metadata.

Photographer: Craig Doda
Taken: March 3, 2024
Caption: Mankin-Cox Bldg
Additional Description: Mankin Building
In 1904 Dr. J. Ward Mankin paid $4,000 for this 150-by-40-foot lot and then constructed this building. Dr. Mankin organized the Mankin Drug Company, which Mrs. Mankin-a pharmacist and University of Maryland graduate-operated on the first floor. Dr. Mankin ran a private medical practice, served as physician for four mine operations, and was a surgeon for the C&C Railway Company.

Through the years the Mankin Building served many functions under numerous owners. In addition to the Mankin Drug Company, it housed Dr. Mankin's medical office, a dentist office, residential apartments, and the New River Banking and Trust Company.

Commercial Row
In 1904 the Mankin Building marked the edge of Thurmond's town limit. Today it is one of just three original structures that remain from the town's "Commercial Row." These three survive as testimony to Thurmond's vibrant era of coal and railroads.

Notice that the Mankin Building (right, as it appeared sometime after 1910) was built of brick. Dr. Mankin's property deed stated that any structure built her could not consist of wood, presumably to resist fire. Throughout Thurmond's history, fire plagued the town.
Submitted: March 7, 2024, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.
Database Locator Identification Number: p777718
File Size: 2.896 Megabytes

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