The history of 106 East Elm is characterized by a diverse range of occupants, transitioning from automotive services to professional offices and retail shops over the course of nearly a century.

Early History and Folklore (1920s–1930s)

• 1920s: The earliest recorded business at this location was Simms Gas, managed by agent O. G. McCrary. The gas station was notably large, spanning the entire length of the block.

• May 1934: The location housed Dickens Beauty Shop, operated by Mertis Dickens. Folklore provided by Bill Jones claims that Bonnie and Clyde visited the shop, where Ms. Dickens allegedly styled Bonnie Parker’s hair while Clyde Barrow waited in a 1934 Ford sedan outside.

Professional and Service Era (1950s–1970s)

• 1955–1957: The building served as the office for the John Nabors Insurance Company. Nabors joined with fellow insurance salesman James Hutcherson to form the Nabors Hutcherson Insurance Agency in 1960.They moved their operations from 106 East Elm to a new location on North Main Street in April 1962.

• 1971: M. T. Wood operated a shoe and saddle repair shop here until February 1971, when he sold the business to Joe Otts.

• 1973: An advertisement in March of this year indicates Banister Floor Covering was operating at the address.

Modern Retail and Specialty Shops (1990s–2015)

• 1996: As of September, the building housed Town and Country Dry Cleaners and Laundry.

• 2008-2010: A cellular store occupied this location. .

• 2011–2013: Sayadream Studio and Gallery held its grand opening in March 2011. The final mention of this business occurred in May 2013.

• 2014: In early 2014, Dessa’s Way Back When, an old-style mercantile, opened at the location.

• 2019: 5C Custom Creations opens their doors July 13, 2019.

• 2025: Kehoe Wilson Design Store opened its doors on August 16, 2024.