Patton Block Historical Gallery

Detail from a bird's eye map of Monmouth (1869) showing James McCallon's store (from rear), future site of the Patton Block

Northwest Corner of Public Square (ca. 1893). The new courthouse is still under construction (note missing clock in tower), while the old courthouse is still in use. Triangular cornice on Patton Block is still painted white and flagpole has not been erected. Note cast-iron ridge cresting on roof of Patton Block.

Detail of previous photograph. Cast-iron ridge cresting in close-up.

Hand-colored post card of Public Square (late 1890s) showing new courthouse, fountain in square and horse-drawn vehicles.

Patton and Claycomb Blocks (ca. 1903). McConnell's Grocery and Bakery is in the west room of Patton Block. Note the triangular cornice has been painted dark with white lettering.

The Arrow Theater (1909). An early silent-movie house, located in the east room of the Patton Block.

Patton Block (ca. 1907). Military Tract Binding Co. is lettered across top of building. It is probable that this was for an advertisement and that the lettering was never actually on the building.

Patton Block (1911). The Shoe Market is in the west room in this photo published in a marketing brochure by the Monmouth Commercial Club.

The Ada Theatre (early 1930s). The Patton Block's second movie house, located in the west room of the first floor.

Northwest corner of the square (ca. 1945). Johnson's Paint Store is in the west room and Kroger's Grocery is in the east room.

Courthouse and Patton Block (early 1960s). Johnson's Paint Store occupies both rooms of the ground floor.

Detail of cornice (2001). Missing are cast-iron ridge cresting and flagpole.

This building, known as Van Gundy Hall or the J.Q. Perley house, was built in 1885 by Robert S. Patton. It formerly stood at the corner of Broadway and Fifth street. Patton sold the house only months after building it.

Jeff Rankin, Director of College Communications, Monmouth College