The
Victorian Queen Anne structure at 321 and
323 Second SW was built in 1892 and remodeled
in 1982.
The
Straney-Moore Livery Stable was in the basement,
which had a ramp access and grooved
cement floors to keep the horses from slipping.
Until
recently the rings for securing horses were still
visible. The upper floors were used for a grocery
store,
farm supply and storage.
The
date and original stained glass are visible on the
front and iron hinges for the shutters
on the back. When Sam Frager purchased the
building the stalls were still intact.
In
the loft area, the pulley system is visible that
was used to open the upper windows from below. The
9 foot front doors were used for the horse
and carriage access. These doors are still intact
in the storage area of the loft.
The
Straney & Moore's Livery
Stable building is one of the finest examples of Queen
Anne commercial architecture in the City of Albany.
Built as a livery stable in
1892, "...it was equivalent to Hertz--renting horses
for visiting salesman." The large basement was used for
horses; the first floor was used for display of carriages;
and the second floor was believed to be a storage
area. It was the most elaboarte of the four livery
stables in town and was located near the blacksmith shop
of Johnson Franklin.
However, in 1892, Albany's mode of transportation
was drifting away from the horse and carriage. In about
1880 the bicycle became a popular vehicle and by 1902
an Albany man built the first automobile in the State
of Oregon.
By
1902, Alvin Straney and W.L. Moore moved from Albany,
and Stewart & Sox Hardware Co. moved into the building.
They sold farm machinery, guns and ammunition, hardware,
tinware and paint. By 1905, they were also carrying
Plano & Deering Binders and Mowers, Studebaker wagons,
hacks and buggies, sporting goods and White sewing
machines. They had formed their business in 1886 and
moved from the northwest corner of First and Ferry.
Mr. Charles Hall Steward was a prominent man of Albany.
He married Cora J. Irvine, Daughter of S.G. Irvine,
minister and one of the founders of the United Presbyterian
Church. He purchased an interest in the States Rights
Democrat in 1874 and retained it until 1876. In 1883-1884
he was a County Clerk, in 1892 he was a City Council
member, and in 1905 he was a County Judge.
Mr. Edward F. Sox was one of the first professors
at Albany College, a Presbyterian College formed in 1867.
He taught mathematics from 1872-1875. He married Weltha
Young, one of his students and a member of the first
class to graduate from the College. Her brother was S.E.
Young, a well-known and successful businessman in Albany.
Mr. Sox came from Illinois and lived for a time in Seattle.
His son, Carleton Edward Sox, was also a professor at
Albany College in 1925 and taught Business Law. Carleton
remained in Albany and became a prominent attorney.
Steward & Sox sold their business to Barker Brothers
Hardware in about 1915 when S.E. Young built his department
store next door. By 1925, Hamilton's Department Store
had moved into both the livery stable and Young's Department
Store and remained as one of Albany's finest department
stores for over 20 years.
Later,
in the late 1960's to early 1980's, the left side
of the Livery Stable/Department Store turned
into the Pix Theatre. When it closed in the early 80's
it became a liquor store and other retail spaces, while
the right side was the Lovelace Flower Shop.
The
Pix Theatre is re-born utilizing the entire
building,
with the right side being the lobby and concession,
and the left side being the auditorium and restrooms.
The only thing original about the theatre is the
sloped wood floor and the name. Otherwise it is all
new.
It
is a first-run movie theatre with 200 seats, that
offers a unique atmosphere and venues.
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