The Eagle Block.
The Eagle Block.
The accompanying cut is a fine representation of the building that was
the pride of El Paso, and a land mark of distinction in Central Illinois
from 1872 until destroyed by fire July 1894. It was erected by Shur, Tompkins
& Co., bankers, at a cost of $60,000. It consisted of three store fronts
and the corner front, which has been used as a bank and was three stories
high, with a fine basement. On its completion the city of El Paso and the
Masonic bodies, per agreement made with the banking firm, took a portion
of the second and thirdtories, the city fitting up its portion as a city
hall and the Masonic bodies theirs for lodge purposes. The firstenterprises
occupying the
handsome structure were:
Shur, Tompkins & Co., bank; C. P. Frazier & Co., dry goods; H. Tobias & Son, groceries; Delos O'Brien, hardware; Harper & Cassell, law offices, two rooms; M. H. Patton, dentist; Journal Office, Gersh Martin, editor; D. A. Strother, barber shop; City hall, Masonic hall.
Those occupying the building when it burned were: First National bank;
S. H. North, implements; H. G. McCord, groceries; J. H. Strathman, furniture;
J. I. Kerr, office; ladies library; City hall and council room; Masonic
bodies; D. A. Strother, barber; Journal Co.; J. W. Parkinson, veterinary
office; W. O. Cotton, restaurant.
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