View of the south side of Main Street, featuring the Edwards Block, in Centre Village, Southbridge. The Edwards Company, a dry goods, carpets, clothing and furnishings store was started by Jacob Edwards (for whom Jacob Edwards Library is named) and his brothers, John and William Edwards. Reputedly, this is the oldest department store in the United States. The claim was also made that the building was the first one in Southbridge to have an elevator. Previously, Calvin D. Paige (C.D. Paige & Co.) operated a similar company from this premises, 120 Main Street; as did Richard Macallister (Edwards & Macallister). Detail of the architectural features such as the dentil, brick work, arched and square windows and chimneys is provided in this image. Signs for other businesses operating from this block: Lochi Tailoring is on the second floor of the Edwards building. Another sign announces Southbridge Coal Co. offering coal, wood and cement. Yet another, P. H. Carpenter Co. (P. Henry Carpenter & Co.)
