Shelton Building
Fort Worth, Tarrant County, Texas
Marker Inscription
This building was constructed in 1900 for Robert G. Johnson, who was acting on behalf of his wards, the children of Albert D. Evans. It was first leased to G.Y. Smith, who opened the "Daylight Store", a general merchandise establishment. In 1910, after the property was purchased by John M. Shelton, a third floor was added to the original two-story structure. From that same year until 1936 the building was leased to S.H. Kress and Company. Following major architectural remodeling in 1937, the structure was occupied by another variety store, McCrorys.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
Constructed in 1900 for Robert G. Johnson on behalf of the Evans children, this Fort Worth building first housed G.Y. Smith's "Daylight Store," a general merchandise business. After John M. Shelton bought it in 1910 and added a third floor, it was leased for decades to S.H. Kress and Company. A 1937 remodeling brought in another variety chain, McCrory's, continuing its long life as a downtown retail address.
Why it matters
The building charts the rise of the American variety store and the bustling retail heart of an early-twentieth-century downtown.
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Related people
- · Robert G. Johnson
- · G.Y. Smith
- · John M. Shelton
Themes & tags
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