1950s: A big sale at Avery Burch

This photo of the south side of the 300 block of Broadway in Hannibal is part of Steve Chou's vast collection. By enlarging the photo I can read the business names. At far left is Richardson’s Hotpoint Appliances, and on the second floor above Richardson's is Mylady beauty shop. The first business to the west of the alley is Avery Burch Furniture. Next door to the west is Osterloh book store, then Storrs, then a loan company which looks like: Money 4 Your Needs.

To the far right is the building that housed Abe's Bar and Grill. Looking from the vintage of the cars, it was probably taken in the early 1950s.

If I were a betting woman, I'd guess

that the photo was taken from the second floor Herring photo studio across the street. Historicaly, the second and third floors of these downtown businesses were used as entertainment halls or offices. No one minded climbing a flight or two of stairs to conduct business. Please let me know if you can offer better particulars regarding this photo. Email. The Avery Burch building was previously Brittingham Hall.