Grafton in Taylor County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)

Brinkman Block

Photographed by Bradley Owen, June 21, 2021

1. Brinkman Block Marker

Inscription.
The Brinkman Block is a set of three Italianate buildings built between 1876 and 1879 by George Brinkman.

The German immigrant arrived in the United States penniless and speaking no English but in 1858 he established one of the most successful businesses in Grafton, Geo. Brinkman & Co. The Brinkman Block contained seven storerooms, a saloon, a bakery, a meeting hall, an 800 seat Opera House, and a home for Brinkman's wife and 11 children.

When Grafton became the seat of Taylor County in 1878, court was held at Brinkman Hall for two years while the Courthouse was being built. During the 1887 Railroad Strike, Baltimore & Ohio employees used the Opera House as their headquarters and on September 30, 1896 William Jennings Bryan spoke here while campaigning for President of the United States. On September 9, 1903 the Opera House hosted John Phillips Sousa and his band. The top floor of two of the three buildings was destroyed by fire on May 28, 1947.

Many other businesses have found their home in the Brinkman Block including Loar's Jewelers. In 1913, Loar's installed Grafton's first wireless apparatus and in 1917

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an optometrist set up in the jewelry store.

Erected by West Virginia Humanities Council and Taylor County Historical and Genealogical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is May 28, 1947.

Location. 39° 20.47′ N, 80° 1.255′ W. Marker is in Grafton, West Virginia, in Taylor County. It is on West Main Street (U.S. 119) just east of Latrobe Street, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 70 West Main Street, Grafton WV 26354, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Central West Virginia.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Merchants & Mechanics Savings Bank

Brinkman Block image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Bradley Owen, June 21, 2021

2. Brinkman Block

(a few steps from this marker); Jolliffe Building (a few steps from this marker); The First Campaign (within shouting distance of this marker); Loar Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Gough Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Colerider Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Grafton (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Welcome To Historic Grafton West Virginia (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grafton.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 881 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 26, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.