Building by Building Tour of ‘old North Main’, by Joy Graham

Building by Building Tour of ‘old North Main’

Milam History by Joy Graham

Rockdale Reporter - November 29, 2012

Some Rockdale buildings that date back to the late 1800s-early 1900s have survived with

only a few facade changes.

The old Perry furniture and hardware building now houses Antique Queens and Talk of the

Town. Sam Perry was the first to sell televisions in Rockdale.

Citizens in Rockdale sat on the curb or in their car and watched early shows like “Your

Hit Parade” on Saturday nights and “The Ed Sullivan Show” on Sundays.

Next to Perry’s is a two story building where E. A. Camp’s law office o ccupied the

second story until the late 1960’s.

Katie McCoy owned a dress shop on the first floor. In 2011 the buildings were restored.

Elements, a high fashion ladies clothing and gift business shop, is now located there.

An alley divides the block. Currently, an insurance business is on the north side.

In the 1940’s the location housed Cliff Blackburn’s Cleaners. The storefront was

remodeled in the 1960’s when Mozell Williams operated a ladies apparel business there.

That building has housed an exercise business and is now home to an insurance business.

The Perry Building is next. It was recognized in 2012 with a historic marker.

Phillips & Luckey occupied the location north of 227-229.R. E. Luckey built coffins

first at his home on West Cameron until he and E. B. Phillips, who sold insurance,

became partners to provide Rockdale with a funeral home.

After it relocated, the building was sold to Heavenly Treasures Resale Shop, which is

run by the Rockdale Ministerial Alliance.

Next was Maxie’s Sweet Shop, owned by Max Ferrari. It was a meeting place for young and

old. The food was great and the narrow building provided a counter with popular stools,

or if you preferred group seating, there were booths on the side.

The building on the corner once housed a movie theater, however it will be remembered

as Stein’s Bakery.

The York family operated this bakery at two different times. Both the sweet shop and

bakery buildings are now owned and operated by Rockdale Sports & Embroidery.

maryjoygraham@yahoo.com

"Milam History"

by Mary Joy Graham

All credit for these articles goes to Joy Graham

and any references mentioned in the articles.

Published in the Rockdale Reporter