If you find errors OR have additional information about this site, please send a message to contact@waynehistorians.org.
The Clark/Theodorides Block/Former Baptist Church
| Historic Site #: | 07-086 (Gone) Type: E1,H3 | Town: | Marion | ||
| Site Name: | The Clark/Theodorides Block/Former Baptist Church | GPS Coordinates: | 43.14331, -77.18871 | ||
| Address: | 3825 N. Main St. | ||||
| Description: | |||||
| This two-story wooden frame building with double porches was a fixture in downtown Marion for over 100 years, holding businesses such as milliners, banks, pharmacists, lawyers, hardware shops, barber shops, and photographers. It was originally built as the Baptist Church but repurposed when they built a brick building next door. | |||||
 |
 |
| Aerial view of the Baptist Church and Clark Block | Clark Block circa 1900 |
 |
|
| Harry and Stella Theodorides |
| Historic narrative: | |||||
The Clark Block was originally located on the lot that is now a parking lot for the United Church on the east side of North Main St. Originally built as the Baptist Church and facing Maple Avenue, it was relocated to Main St. For a time during the construction of the Marion Collegiate institute, it was used as school rooms prior to 1857 as well as a church. After 1857, the building was remodeled and transformed into a business block with some living apartments on the upper floors. Originally owned by Charles Caldwell Huggins, a businessman, and banker, it was the location of many local businesses in its earlier years. Dr. Allen S. Russell had a pharmacy. Mrs. Nelson Brown and Mrs. F. Brown were milliners; Fred Brown had a photography studio. T. M. Clark (who eventually owned the building) and Albert Short were hardware dealers. Henry Taber had a law office. There was also a meat market and grocery. Thomas M. Clark, one-time Wayne Co. Sheriff and owner of the famous trotter, Ashwood, sold his farm in 1871 and moved into a residence located on one side of the building. Mr. and Mrs. Clark lived in the Clark Block until 1913 when he died. The Clark’s also owned the entire bank property at one time. In the 1920s, the building was sold to Mr. Harry Theodorides who became the successful operator of the Marion Candy Kitchen, retiring in 1956. Operated in later years by the Russell Freeman family, it holds fond memories for many of our more seasoned residents. The building was also home to the McKenna Barbershop. Walt McKenna cut hair here for many years and it was said that you could set your clock by him as he walked from his home on South Main to the barbershop in the morning, at lunch, and dinner. | |||||