J.C. Sullen Blacksmith and Painting

In 1894, John C. Sullen opened a blacksmith and buggy paint shop at 21^st and Western. Sullen adapted his business to automobiles as they became more popular. After his sons joined the business, they included upholstery and body repair. The business was sold in 1946 after J.C. Sullen’s son Bob died two years prior.

The north side of the building follows Western Avenue and the south side follows Commercial Avenue, which is parallel to the Big Four tracks. This creates a wedge shaped building. During the building boom of the late 1800’s and early 1900’s they used every inch available for buildings. This building is one of the few buildings left in town with this unique feature. During a recent meeting with downtown redevelopment planners, this building had a large red “X” over it marking it obsolete. That is why it is now included in the Top Tem Endangered. Notice three Top Ten buildings in the pictures above; Sullen’s, Presbyterian Church, and Central School.

Graveyard

Home