Early Origins and Construction

• Medical Roots (Pre-1901): Before the current brick structure, the site housed a wood-frame building next to a construction occupied by a drug store and the medical clinic of Dr. Titus Nelson Skeen.

• The 1901 Build: R.E. Skeen acquired the lot, removed the wooden frame, and contracted Jeff Frazier to build the current brick structure using bricks from the Will Gorman Brickyard.

• A "Mature" Presence: Upon its completion in 1901, the building was noted for bringing a touch of maturity and prosperity to the growing downtown area.

The Skeen Era (1901–1920)

• Medical and Pharmaceutical Use: Dr. Titus Skeen utilized the lower floor as a drug store and the upper floor as his medical clinic.

• General Merchandise: R.E. Skeen initially operated a general merchandise store at the location.

• Banking Venture: In December 1913, R.E. Skeen chartered the People's State Bank and Trust Company within the building.

• Bank Acquisition: Due to the town having more banks than it could support, the First National Bank acquired the Skeen bank’s assets in August 1914.

• Dry Goods Shift: Following the bank's closure, R.E. Skeen opened a comprehensive dry goods store catering to men, women, and children.

The Dodgen and Cannaday Years (1920–1973)

• The Dodgen Partnership: Around 1920, W.C. "Claude" Dodgen became a partner; he and his son, Durwood, operated the clothing business until the 1950s.

• Cannaday & Son: In 1963 or 1964, Russell Cannaday moved his family's long-standing business (originally established in Winnsboro in 1907) to the 219 N. Main location.

• Retail Institution: The Cannaday store operated there until Russell's retirement in 1973, having built a reputation for honesty and offering "everything from work shoes to Sunday slippers".

Late 20th Century to Present

• Multiple Tenants: Between 1973 and 1984, the property was leased to various merchants, including Malcolm Clayton, Andy Angelo, and Ronnie Foster.

• Bell Pharmacy: In 1984, Sammy Bell purchased the building and operated a drug and pharmacy business there for nearly 30 years, until 2011.

Historical Restoration: In 2014, Peter and Janice Schma acquired the property to restore the building to its original 1901 splendor, saving it from the potential demolition that had claimed other local historic structures.