Wright Shoe Store

811 Main Street

In 1906, the Wright Shoe Store was operating in this store.  It was owned and operated by the Wright Family, who were long-term residents of Adel.  The store sold ready-made “Buster Brown Shoes”.  In the 1940’s it was known as the “Dime store”.   From 1950 to 1966 the local Ben Franklin was located here and from 1955 to 1966 it was owned and operated by Chic and Betty Schwarzkopt.

Iowa Title Company currently occupies the space.

  • Wright Shoe Store

  • Ben Franklin Store

  • Main Street Picture

Architectural Survey Research

Narrative Description

This is a 2-story, commercial building of masonry construction. The storefront has been substantially altered several times but retains its original symmetrical configuration: an entrance (now inset and perhaps historically so) flanked by storefront windows. The upper story features three bays with 1/1 double-hung windows grouped closely together and surround by a brickworked frame. (This same motif is employed at 815 Main Street.) A simple cornice with dentils surmounts the facade.

Statement of Significance

This building is National Register eligible as a contributing resource to the historic district under Criterion A. It calls attention the evolution of land use around the Public Square in Adel and local entrepreneurs' preference to locate businesses within the 800 block of Main Street.

This building is a contributing resource to the historic district because of Its significance under Criterion C. The building calls attention to the influence of the Commercial Style of architecture to its design. (See cover document.) This influence is most evident in the brickworked frame on the upper floor, the employment of polychrome brick, and the tailored look of its cornice and dentils.

Historic Uses*

  • 1950: Coulter's Variety

  • 1950 - 1954: Ben Franklin Walter& Balnche Soll

  • 1955-1966: Schwarzkopf Ben Franklin

  • 1992: Dallas County Attorney's Office

  • 2003: lowa Title Company

*Survey research completed in 2004 so only includes building uses prior to that time