Mercier Building

Mercier Building. . Before development of the current Mercier Building there were two entirely separate buildings at this location: On the left (south) side, in 1842, Henry Hoos built a large, two story wood frame building that became known as the White House since it was painted all white. It was also referred to as the Hoos Hotel after its owner. In 1872, John Hooss, son of Henry Hooss, became a retail liquor dealer selling spirits in the White House. The hotel bar room became well known among both locals and travelers and was considered one of the finest hotels and taverns in the area. To it's right (north) was originally the Old Lion Drug Store, which, in a later renovation, became part of the Kielser building next door. After Old Lion, it became the Felts and Alken Drug Store, then Mercier and Vessels Drug Store, and finally Mercier's Drug Store. In 1927, AC Mercier and his son, Val; purchased the old White House/Hooss Hotel building from the Hooss estate in order to construct a complex of buildings that would include a drug store, tavern, and theatre. Plans were drawn up by renowned architect, Robert Beller of Kansas City. Contractors were John Prost, his son, Narcis Prost of St. Louis, and John Kiefner assisted in an advisory capacity. The Mercier Building was completed in 1934 at a cost of $40,000. Mercier Theatre opened on September 26, 1934, with the motion picture movie, Gift of Gab, with a star studded cast including Edmund Lowe, Ruth Etting, Ethel Waters, Boris Karloff and Bela Lugosi. A familiar face in the theatre was that of Kelly Fulton, who spent his entire career working at the theater. The theater seated 600 movie goers and tickets sold for 10 cents each. The theatre closed in 1986. The last pictures shown were "One Crazy Night" and "Flight of the Navigator”. The terra cotta Mercier name that once appeared on the top of the building, was removed prior to 2012. , In 1935 Wonder Tavern opened, occupying space in the south end of the new Mercier building. The proprietors were the Miesner brothers, Art and Erwin. In 1955, Art sold his interest in the tavern to another brother, Edwin. After 35 years, the tavern closed in 1969 and a restaurant and other businesses followed. On the north end of the complex, the old Mercier Drug Store was incorporated into the design of the 1934 building. In addition to the Mercier family, pharmacist assistant Lucius Huber helped manage the business. Tenants in the upstairs offices over the years included Dr. Sherman T. Loberg, dentist, Leo Rozier of Perryville, who established his first legal practice here after graduation from law school, and later, George Busch Insurance Agency.