Golden Rule

The Golden Rule is one of the few remaining buildings from the early 1900s boom experienced in the area. This beautiful, three-story brick building was built in 1902.   It is a significant reminder of the commercial boom of the area in the early to mid-1900s

The building was originally home to The Valley Grocery Company, a wholesale grocery distributor to Barbour County, as well as neighboring counties. The owner and operator was Luther P. Shinn. A frame addition connected to the building houses a gas-powered grist-mill.  Following a 1929 reorganization and name change, the newly chartered “Golden Rule” store began to include more merchandise items in its inventory.  Eventually the store evolved into a department store which advertised, “Everything for everyone.” Merchandise included furniture, appliances, and household goods.

The Golden Rule building has been subject to deferred maintenance, vandalism, pests, and invasive vegetation. Its Italianate architectural style is a rarity that remains intact from the town’s commercial boom in the first half of the twentieth century. It is additionally unique because it features a water-powered elevator. 

Woodlands Development Group (WDG) purchased the building in March 2019. WDG secured a Low Income Housing Tax Credit Award for the project. The National Register Nomination has been approved at the state level and is currently under review by the National Park Service. Part 1 and Part 2 of the Historic Tax Credit application have been submitted and are under review. Construction is expected to start in September 2019 for the full rehab of the building. 

The ultimate goal is to save this historic landmark and repurpose it for use by the community and to be a thriving part of the town once again. Eventually the building could house a variety of office, community, and residential spaces.

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