The McNab Grocery
Dallas, Dallas County, Texas
Marker Inscription
After the Civil War Ahab Bowen acquired this land, then an area of grape vineyards and small farms. In 1891 he sold the lot to J. B. Franklin, who erected this brick structure. James McNab (d. 1924) operated a neighborhood grocery here in partnership with William A. Boren and Thomas M. Cullum, who later founded the Cullum and Boren Sporting Goods business. A livery stable in the rear housed a horse and delivery wagon. Civic leader Frederick Appell retained part ownership in the building until his death in 1943. Other grocers occupied the structure until the 1950s.
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
After the Civil War, Ahab Bowen acquired this Dallas land when it was still vineyards and small farms; in 1891 a new owner raised this brick building. James McNab ran a neighborhood grocery here with partners William Boren and Thomas Cullum — the latter two went on to found the Cullum and Boren sporting-goods firm. A livery stable out back kept the delivery horse and wagon, and grocers occupied the storefront into the 1950s.
Why it matters
The corner store charts Dallas's growth from farmland to city and the humble mercantile roots of businesses that became local institutions.
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Related people
- · James McNab
- · William A. Boren
- · Thomas M. Cullum
Themes & tags
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