In 1854, Mr. J. L. Shinn established a business at this location in what was then called a cactus prairie. By 1870, other businesses had been established and residence had been built so the community was incorporated and was named Russellville, after Dr. Thomas Russell who owned the first residence in the prairie. In 1875, Mr. Shinn moved his frame building to the back side of the lot and built this one, which is now the oldest building in Russellville. The lower portion of the building has been remodeled at different times and used for a variety of businesses. The second floor was used for an office building for many years but most recently was the headquarters for the Russellville telephone system and was referred to as the telephone building. This building was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. M. C. Young in 1979.