John R. Ralls, founder of this town, built this structure between 1915 and 1919 as the largest of more than two blocks of business houses he developed. It was used by the First National Bank until that bank closed in 1930, and then housed the Southwestern Public Service office until 1964. After the railroad bypassed Emma and crossed his land, Ralls donated ranch land for lots for early homesites, the city square, the public school, and all organized churches.