Date Constructed: c. 1905-1910

Original Use: Hardware Store

Address: 248 North Main Street (front), 245 City Hall Street (rear)

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Historic Significance

Constructed between 1905 and 1910, the building was originally home to F. L. Smith Hardware. In April 1914, F. L. Holcomb joined the business, which became Smith & Holcomb Hardware. By 1927, the business was known as the John H. Midkiff Hardware Company, a name that remained closely associated with the building for decades.

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According to historian Glenda Edwards, prior to construction the sloping site served as a campground for farmers visiting town to sell produce — highlighting the site’s earlier role in Mount Airy’s agricultural and commercial life.