Apalachicola in Franklin County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Cook Building

— Apalachicola Historic Walking Tour —

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, June 17, 2025

1. The Cook Building Marker

Inscription. A vacant two story wooden building that stood on this corner was, destroyed by the fire that swept through downtown Apalachicola in May 1900. John H. Cook rebuilt on the site two smaller, one-story wooden buildings that housed a pool hall and Cristors Restaurant.

In 1911 Mr. Cook had his contractor, George Marshall, move those existing wooden buildings further east on the property and construct the two-story brick building that stands here today. The building features a cast iron storefront with the "Cook” name cast into thresholds. Downstairs it is divided into two separate stores facing Market Street with offices upstairs. Over the years different businesses have occupied the building including a furniture store, a dry goods store and the A & P grocery store. The northwestern side of the building became Tradewell's 5 & 10. Later the Apalach 5 & 10 opened in the corner space. These two stores were referred to locally as the "Old Dime Store" and the "New Dime Store." The first-floor stores retain their original pressed tin ceilings.

The photo above was taken in 1974 (State Archives of Florida). For more information

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about John H. Cook, see the plaque two doors down on Avenue D on the old Cook Insurance Building.

For more information about the historic commercial district, visit www.DowntownApalachicola.com.

Erected by Apalachicola Main Street and VisitFlorida.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. A significant historical year for this entry is 1911.

Location. 29° 43.639′ N, 84° 59.025′ W. Marker is in Apalachicola, Florida, in Franklin County. It is at the intersection of Avenue B and Market Street, on the left when traveling north on Avenue B. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 71 Avenue B, Apalachicola FL 32320, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Panhandle.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Deep South,

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the

Photographed by Brandon D Cross, June 17, 2025

2. The Cook Building Marker

Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Cook Insurance Building (a few steps from this marker); The Historic Orman Building (a few steps from this marker); Apalachicola Post Office and Customs House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Fradozia Building (within shouting distance of this marker); The Sponge Exchange (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); J.E. Grady & Co. (about 400 feet away); Fort Coombs - Franklin Guards (about 400 feet away); When the River Was King! (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Apalachicola.

The Cook Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Brandon D Cross

3. The Cook Building

Credits. This page was last revised on March 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 19, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. This page has been viewed 124 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 19, 2025, by Brandon D Cross of Flagler Beach, Florida. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.