Crislip & Simpson Building

Crislip and Simpson Building. . Half this block was originally owned by Leonard S. Farnsworth, grandson of Daniel Farnsworth. This was the site of his home and store until 1890, when he sold this property to John A. Crislip (born September 1849). In 1893, Crislip sold a half interest in the property to Allen A. Simpson (born July 25, 1853), and as partners they tore down Farnsworth's wood structure and built the 3-story brick building you see here today. In 1895 the third floor of this building was sold to Columbia Lodge No. 55, Independent Order of Odd Fellows. They used the third floor area as a meeting hall. The first telephone office in Buckhannon was located on the second floor of this building. The first floor of this building has been used as a retail store for almost its entire existence. Crislip and Simpson operated a dry goods store here from 1894 through the early 1900's. The L.E. Schull Department Store opened in this location in 1912 and operated through the early 1920's when Leader's Department Store took over the first floor for their retail operation. In 1928 G.C. Murphy's 5 and 10 Variety Store leased the property and ran a successful retail operation here until closing in 1997. During most of its operation G.C. Murphy's occupied this building and the three adjacent buildings, the Carpenter Building on the left. The Shinn Building and the Stockert on the right side. This store was a hub of activity, especially on Saturday mornings when folks gathered under G.C. Murphy's 110' canvas awning, to trade and barter items or share the news-of-the-day with other townsfolk. Doug and Yvonne Stewart purchased this property in 1998 and operated Main Street Antiques here until 2011. The building is the future home of the Buckhannon Opera House, a multi-purpose event/banquet center.