Founded by John L. Thirkield in 1832, the Thirkield Store occupied this corner from 1850 until 1979. The Thirkield family owned and operated the store, which prided itself on quality merchandise and good customer relations. Under the leadership of Eden B. Thirkield, the business prospered and grew. It was one of the oldest department stores in the Midwest and the oldest J-story building west of the Alleghenies.