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Hinton Historic District Walking Tour
Item 4 of 12
This Neo-Classical Revival-style commercial building occupies nearly a full city block. During its first era of use, the Citizens Bank, The Laing Humphries Department Store, and the Elks Lodge shared the space. In a 1907 advertisement, the Laing Humphries Department store touted that they owned their own building. The building is now home to retail stores and the Summers County Visitors Center.

The building under construction, circa 1906. Source: WVU Local and Regional History Archives.

The building under construction, circa 1906. Source: WVU Local and Regional History Archives.

The former Citizen's Bank corner space, circa 1930. Source: WVU Local and Regional History Archives.

The former Citizen's Bank corner space, circa 1930. Source: WVU Local and Regional History Archives.

Dr. J.W. Stokes entering his office space in the former Citizen's Bank location. Circa 1930. Source: WVU Local and Regional History Archives.

Dr. J.W. Stokes entering his office space in the former Citizen's Bank location. Circa 1930. Source: WVU Local and Regional History Archives.

Advertisement promoting the opening of the Laing-Humphries Department Store. April 30, 1907 edition of the Hinton Daily News.

Advertisement promoting the opening of the Laing-Humphries Department Store. April 30, 1907 edition of the Hinton Daily News.

1949 picture of the building.

1949 picture of the building.
Constructed in 1907, the Laing Humphries Department Store is one of the largest buildings in the Hinton Historic District. During its first years in service, the department store occupied the space fronting on Second Avenue, the Citizens Bank operated out of the corner suite, and the Elks Lodge held its meetings on the upper floors. The lettering "BANK" on the corner of the building is still present and denotes the placement of the Citizens Bank.

Local residents recall going to dances on the top floor of the building in the mid-1960s when the space was still the Elks Lodge. One woman remembered how steep the stairs were and how difficult they were to climb in high heels. Those stairs are located through a door that fronts Second Avenue and lead directly to the top floor. Today, only the ground floor is occupied.

The Citizen's Bank left the space by 1930 and was replaced by a doctors office and Western Union.  The former Citizens Bank space is now home to the Summers County Visitors Center. The former Laing-Humphries Department Store space is home to two retail stores.