Located on the south-west corner of First Avenue and St. Joseph Street (233 N. First Avenue) was the Mc Coy Building, the first commercial business building constructed in Arcadia. It was built in 1910 and owned by the McCoy family, Frank and Flora, originally from El Monte. It was described as a large two story building housing a general store on the ground floor with a large second floor area, suitable for club and civic meetings and other large gatherings. When the Oakwood Hotel burned in November of 1911, the city’s offices and meetings were held at the Mc Coy building. Flora served as the negotiator, securing the rent as $5 per month.
Later in 1913, the telephone company rented space for the beginning of telephone service in Arcadia with sixty-five subscribers. As of 1914, all subscribers had service. A small space was given to house the city’s first library. For a short time, the city offices were moved to a small building across the street from the Mc Coy building, but returned, with an increase in rent negotiated by Flora, once again. It is interesting to note that Frank Mc Coy served as Arcadia’s Treasurer from 1912 to 1918.
The building had many different occupants over the years, including “The Queen City Club” and was demolished in 1973.
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Carol Libby and Karen Hou
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Carol Libby & Karen Hou
Arcadia Historical Society