The Marchman Building

The Marchman Building, older than our Ellis County Courthouse, has been a prominent part of our town's economic history. Built in 1887, it is situated on the N.E. corner of the Bradshaw Block. This site of land was deeded to D.G. Ransom and Amzi Bradshaw in 1871., A small wooden structure owned by Captain Bradshaw preceded the current brick structure and was occupied by a grocery store belonging to J.F. Strickland before he entered the power and light, and railroad business. , Bradshaw sold to Jno G. Williams (2nd mayor of Waxahachie) and H.H. Dunn in December of 1887. Williams was the sole owner in 1887 at the time the current brick structure was built. Jolesch and Chaska Dry Goods, one of the earliest drygoods stores in Waxahachie, became the first business to occupy the current structure. It was subsequently occupied by Silvers Nickel store, Kory Nickel store and Pierce drygoods., The Marchman Family has occupied the building since 1938. Marchman's became known as one of the premier clothiers in Waxahachie until it closed in 1985. A 1948 renovation heralded it as a thoroughly complete department store, and the "last word in modernization" with clorosa travertine marble and glass front facade. In 1973 a historical renovation was done to restore some of its architectural heritage.