The “Then” photo shows Moore’s Business College (circa 1923) located in the northeast corner of Monument Square, Urbana. Also located in the building at this time were the following businesses: W. S. Given Tailor, John L. Jackson & Co. Shoe Store (west side) and Griswold Dentist (south side). Note the fire plug on the corner. It is a Birdsill Holly, the same as the one in the Champaign County Historical Society collection. The building was demolished circa 1961 and is now the site of the Peoples Savings Bank.
“Moore’s Business College and School of Shorthand, located at Urbana, was established on December 4, 1899, and has developed into one of the most completely equipped commercial and shorthand institutions in this section of the country. J. W. Moore, the founder and president of the institution, is today looked upon as one of the leading business educators of the state. …….Beginning with only five students, the college has steadily grown until it now occupies six times as much space in the Weaver Building as when it was founded.” History of Champaign County Ohio by Judge Evan P. Middleton Volume I, 1917, page 566.
Champaign County Historical Society Museum object ID #’s 0152, A1003, A1004 & 9312
The “Now” 2015 photo is of Peoples Savings Bank at 10 Monument Square, former location of Moore’s Business College.
