Main & Union Intersection

At the turn of the 20th century, the intersection of Main and Union underwent a transformative shift from a densely populated residential area to an extension of the main street commercial district. Notable residences included the Lamborn, Erwin, and Wallace families' homes, each owned by influential local businesspersons who operated businesses along Main Street and throughout the town. Today, remnants of a 1920s gas and service station persist at the southeast corner, while the historic mid-century modern Kroger building, originally a favorite Caskey Building demolished in 1996, remains at the northeast corner, housing various businesses.

At the Turn of the 20th century, the intersection of Main and Union began a decades-long transition from a dense residential area, to an extension of the main street commercial district. Beginning in 1900 The Erwin, Lamborn, and Wallace Families residences dominated the intersection. At the Northwest corner stood the Impressive second Empire Lamborn Residence, at the southwest, the Erwin family home, and finally, at the southeast, the Wallace Family. These families were all notable local business persons with businesses at adjacent main street locations and throughout town. At the northeast corner of main and union stood a commercial district of meat markets and groceries stores that changed owners numerous times, yet in xxx were demolished for the present day building that was originally a Kroger Grocery store. A favorite of Alliance locals, the Caskey Building that once stood at the at the earlier site of the Erwin Family home. Built in the 1940s, the building was a fine representation of international and Bahuase early 1900s streamline design. It was originally a Buick dealership, then later became the home of well renowned Don Pancho's restaurant. The Caskey building was demolished in 1996.

What stands today at this intersection is the remnants of a gas and service station at the southeast corner that moved in in the 1920s. Additionally, the Historic mid century modern Kroger building still stands today at the northeast corner with various other businesses occupying.

Alliance Memory Project, Alliance Historical Society, Rodman Public Library

Alliance City Directories, 1899-1946

Lamborn Residence Outline:

• Built 1857_Seccond Empire Style
• Demolished by 1940s_replaced with Sinclair Gas Station

Caskey Building Outline:

• 1940s-1960s: Buick Dealer: Alliance Buick then Bartholomule (single story
• showroom)_Figure 3
• 1960s-1970s: Caskey Motor Inn and Roller Rink (Added second story)_Figure 4
• 1970s-1996: Don Pancho's Tex Mex Restaurant (converted into restaurant)_Figure 4

Kroger:

• 1900: Ellet Meat Market (directory)
• 1910: Ellet Meat Market and Hampton Grocery (Directory)

Gas Station:

• 1910 directory: Allison Family - Palace Bakery. Residence next to bakery. (1 e Main)
• By 1923 - auto gas service. Bakery changed to Ideal Bakery with new owners.