In 1936, N.B. Smithey of North Wilkesboro constructed Smithey's Department Store on this site. He built and owned seventeen such stores in communities in northwest North Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee. Smithey's was the forerunner of the modern department store and sold clothing, household goods groceries, and even sported a café. It was a popular venue where some families are reported to have spent their entire Saturday. The chain closed in the 1990's following the death of Mr. Smithey's son-in-law, who inherited the business. The two-story rock building was occupied by various groups until it was razed in 2005. Stones from the original building were used to construct these entry columns, which mark the corners of the building.