What is now known as The Commons—the parking lot at the corner of Third and Main Streets—was once a vibrant part of downtown Washington, Indiana.[¹] Before the buildings were torn down around the year 2000, this block housed a range of long-standing businesses, local institutions, and historic structures dating back to the early 19th century.[²]

 

    Located at the corner of 3rd and Main, this site has a long and varied history. From 1823 until around 1874 it was the home of John Murphy, before becoming a hub for retail and services in downtown Washington. The Beitman family operated tailoring and clothing businesses here from 1874 to 1923, followed by several other clothing and shoe stores, including Curry & Dunn, Hub Clothing Store, and Merit Shoe Store, which served the community for nearly three decades.

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    By the mid-20th century, the building housed a mix of discount shops, service businesses, and specialty stores, such as Washington Typewriter Co., Sonny & Sis, and Hamm’s Music Store. After brief reuses in the 1970s and early 1980s—including Lee’s T Shirt Shop—the property stood vacant for many years, reflecting the shifting landscape of downtown commerce.

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    Main Street (300 Block) — Then and Now The 300 block of East Main Street was once home to numerous storefronts and gathering spaces, many of which changed hands over the decades but remained essential to the fabric of downtown life. [³]

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