Austin Grocery in the Kendall Block Building Cass Street
Title
Austin Grocery in the Kendall Block Building Cass Street
Description
B. S. Austin began his grocery in 1881 then moved into this new Kendall Block in 1883. He remained in the grocery business here until his death in 1916 when his son took over the business.
He stands to the left of his door while his son Garry Austin holds the door handle. The gentleman with the basket of bread is Frank W. Doton who had a baker's shop on Benton street. One of the other two men is identified Wm (Billy) Oliver or Woliver on the back of the photo.
In 1885, Austin installed a new awning.
Train cars are stopped on the tracks crossing Church Street.
Looking north along Main Street, C. Beardsley and Son Livery sign is visible. There is a good view of the pre-1912 railroad depot. The telephone pole shows that the photo was taken after 1883.
There are four brick buildings on the east side of Main Street, so the photo was taken after the fire of January,1892
This photo was used in both Woodstock Illustrated (1895) and Headlight: Sights and Scenes Along the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad (1898) advertising Woodstock.
112 Cass see also Photo ID 53 Kendall Block
Nancy Baker's notes: The 24’ by 65’ Kendall Block was completed in December of 1883. Dr. C.N. Kendall had his dentist’s office and living quarters on the second floor. Beneath Kendall’s office, on the first floor, was the B.S. Austin grocery store—a fixture at this corner for 30 years. Austin was assisted by his son and several other clerks and they delivered groceries throughout the City. Bart Austin was locally famous for his annual fireworks display on July 4th. The tradition began in 1881 and was still being reported in 1897.
He stands to the left of his door while his son Garry Austin holds the door handle. The gentleman with the basket of bread is Frank W. Doton who had a baker's shop on Benton street. One of the other two men is identified Wm (Billy) Oliver or Woliver on the back of the photo.
In 1885, Austin installed a new awning.
Train cars are stopped on the tracks crossing Church Street.
Looking north along Main Street, C. Beardsley and Son Livery sign is visible. There is a good view of the pre-1912 railroad depot. The telephone pole shows that the photo was taken after 1883.
There are four brick buildings on the east side of Main Street, so the photo was taken after the fire of January,1892
This photo was used in both Woodstock Illustrated (1895) and Headlight: Sights and Scenes Along the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad (1898) advertising Woodstock.
112 Cass see also Photo ID 53 Kendall Block
Nancy Baker's notes: The 24’ by 65’ Kendall Block was completed in December of 1883. Dr. C.N. Kendall had his dentist’s office and living quarters on the second floor. Beneath Kendall’s office, on the first floor, was the B.S. Austin grocery store—a fixture at this corner for 30 years. Austin was assisted by his son and several other clerks and they delivered groceries throughout the City. Bart Austin was locally famous for his annual fireworks display on July 4th. The tradition began in 1881 and was still being reported in 1897.
Creator
Date
1892/1895
Collection
Citation
Medlar Studios, Woodstock, “Austin Grocery in the Kendall Block Building Cass Street,” Woodstock Public Library Archives, accessed June 9, 2026, https://woodstockpubliclibraryarchives.omeka.net/items/show/58.
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