Fred Schimelpfenig Building
Plano, Collin County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This building was built in 1884 by the Sanger Brothers and was made into the most prosperous dry goods store in Plano by Frederick Schimelpfenig. Schimelpfenig ran the store until the fire of 1895 and was mayor of Plano from 1902-1908. In 1896, J.H. Gulledge bought the building and operated a dry goods business until 1918. In 1946, it was sold to Westway Sportswear and has held subsequent businesses such as Plano furniture, Nooks ‘n Krannies and several tea rooms. The building is a one-story brick mercantile building and retains its original size.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Built in 1884 by the Sanger Brothers, this one-story brick mercantile became Plano's most prosperous dry-goods store under Frederick Schimelpfenig, who also served as mayor from 1902 to 1908. After the great fire of 1895 it passed to J.H. Gulledge, who ran a dry-goods business until 1918, and later to Westway Sportswear in 1946 and a string of shops and tea rooms. The building still retains its original size and form on Plano's historic commercial row.
Why it matters
It links a thriving frontier-era retail trade to civic leadership, showing how the merchant class helped govern and grow the young towns of North Texas.
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Related people
- · Frederick Schimelpfenig
- · J.H. Gulledge
Themes & tags
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