Montross Page #12

Montross Page #12

This is the Montross Coca Cola plant as pictured here shortly after it was moved in 1923. Shown is a 1925 Dodge truck that was part of a fleet of six trucks. In the inset is a potbellie stove in the plant.

This building is now our NAPA store here in Montross.

Shown is Mr. A.E. Carver riding his horse down route 3 during the early 1900s'.

This is the J.F. Robertson General Store in the early 1900s. It was built in 1898 with lumber and flooring from Grady's sawmill. The wide counters were formed in a "U" shape around the lobby and walls. Goods, inlcuding madras, linen, lace, candies, hardware, tobacco, molasses, coal oil, vinegar, and brown sugar were on the first floor; the second floor was for men's clothing, shoes, china, and cutlery, and the third floor was used for storage.

In the 1920's, following Robertson's death, the store went out of business, but the building was still well used. The WPA used it during the 1930's with a setup of sewing machines; it was later used as the HENRY HUNGERFORD LIBRARY(until the Westmoreland Museum opened in 1941), a furniture store, and a chair factory, with periods of vacancy at times. The building was fire gutted in 1960.

[The J.F. Robertson Store was located where the present Bank of Lancaster is located.]

This is an advertisement from the "Potomac Interest" newspaper for the Montross Theatre. This advertisement ran in one of the 1952 issues. The theatre was located in the former Wilson Brothers Building located on the west end of Montross. Many movies were shown here and some western actors appeared at this location during the 1940s' and the 1950s' on tours.

"Potomac Interest" article from December 11, 1947

"George Clanton owner of the new Montross Theatre which is considered one of the finest small-town movie houses in Virginia, said this week that he was well pleased with the patronage being given the house and wished to express his appreciation to all of these people in the community who have helped to make the new business a success.

The house, which cost more than $40,000 was completed in October(1947) after taking over eleven months to costruct and equip it. It opened October 13 (1947) turning away over 150 people on opening night."

From the "Potomac Interest" newspaper dated April 21, 1949.

Central Paint and Hardware Company, a new store, opened in Montross recently.

The new enterprise is located in the old bowling alley building and is owned by Mr. Elton Healy and Mr. Oren O. Flowers. Mr. Flowers will manage the store, while Mr. Healy will still remain with the R. H. Harris Variety Store.

From the "Potomac Interest", article dated March 9, 1949

Through the efforts of its building committe on which S. Haga, Vernon England, George Sandy and Donald Browm served, the Westmoreland Voluteer Fire Department now has a fine new house in which to keep its modern fire truck. The fire house, which is located on a lot purchased from Mr. Johnson on the new street(Rectory Road) that runs along the side of Montross Motors.

The building whcih measures 32'X 30' is made of cinder blocks with a brick veneer front. It has a concrete floor and a flat roof. The flat roof was purposely designed so that a second story could be added later. The capacity is for two trucks, in the event that someday another fire truck may be purchased.

Construction on the building began around the first of last year(1948) and was completed on January 10th(1950).

From the November 17, 1949 issue of the "Potomac Interest" newpaper.

"This Friday marks the Grand Opening in Montross of one of the famous home-owned and operated Western Auto Associate Stores. Mr. E.C. Healy and O.O. Flowers are the managers of the new store located on the main street."

From the December 15, 1949 issue of the "Potomac Interest" newpaper.

"A new addition has been added to Carlisle's Esso Servicecenter in Montross. Located opposite the Montross Theatre this firm from now on will be known as Carlisle's Esso Servicecenter and Grill. The new addition a grill and delicatessen will officially open today.

It will feature a complete grill and delicatessen containing all new and modern fixtures, with booths and tables. They have also installed rest rooms for the convenience of their patrons. Beginning on January 15th (1950) they plan to sell and serve a variety of home made bakery products."

From the February 9, 1950 issue of the "Potomac Interest" newspaper.

"Construction was begun last week on a building located between the Peoples Drug Store and Robert Murphy, Inc. This building is owned by Mr. T. R. Jackson. (Webmaster: This building was used for many years as the Peoples Drug Store of Montross and is now the flower shop presently operated (2001))

From the October 12, 1950 issue of the "Potomac Interest" newspaper.

"One of the largest and most complete drug stores in the Northern Neck of Virginia will open in Montross shortly. This store will open in the new Jackson Building which is nearing completion.

The drug store will be operated by Norris Lowery and will be a combination of the two drug stores in Montross. It will be known as Peoples Drug Store.

The Littlefield Building, where one of the drug stores is now operating will be occupied later on by the Montross Furniture Company who plan to move into the building sometime in November. The Western Auto Associates Store, which is now located in the bowling alley, will move into the other drug store building and plans call for the bowling alley some time during the winter months.

From the June 18, 1953 issue of the "Potomac Interest" newpaper.

"The Harris Variety Store at Montross will move into their beautiful new store on Friday, June 2 (1953) and will celebrate with a two day grand opening.

From the "Potomac Interest" May 10, 1956.

A new business known as Frigidare Electric Center will open in Montross. It is owned and operated by William A Dodd of Potomac Beach. It will be located in the building opposite Peoples Drug Store (the NAPA building).

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