Contents

1. History
2. Photos
3. Notes

History

In the 1880s and 90s, Wayne's population exploded. Thanks to the new development of North and South Wayne, business flourished in Wayne's center, which was the area between these two neighborhoods. Most of these stores and offices were located in single buildings, or even converted houses. One of the only buildings that could contain many businesses at once was the Wayne Opera House. That is, until 1890, when Christopher Fallon discovered the enormous business opportunity of Wayne's center, and constructed an entire row of storefronts contained in a single building at the addresses 110-122 East Lancaster Avenue. This came to be known as the Business Block.

The design of the Block was unique. It consisted of seven storefronts, all of varying sizes and unique architectural styles. At the left (east) end, there was a turret that extended above the second floor. The other end had a similar tower a story taller. The fifth storefront from the left is also notable because it originally had a circular display window. The second floor office of the far left store had an interesting semicircular window.

One of the most notable businesses which ran in the Block was C.W. Bensinger. Bensinger's store sold stationery supplies, patriotic bunting, etc. It is best known for selling postcards of Wayne scenes which it sold for a few decades. The photographs were most likely done by Bensinger, who then sent the pictures to be printed in Germany. Much can be learned about old Wayne from these cards, since perhaps a hundred unique designs were printed of everything from churches to scenes of the Wayne countryside. Bensinger's cards have become sought after in recent years, and are difficult to come by.

It would be nearly impossible to list every business which operated in the Block, but this is a partial list of the early occupants: T.T. Worrall, grocer; Levine, men's shop; C.N. Agnew, realtor (original location); Famous Restaurant; Thomas P. Dailey, "shaving, hair cutting, singeing, dyeing, cigars, tobacco and Smoker's Articles"; H.F. Dana, "Fine Watch, Clock and Jewelry Repairing"; G.D. Talone, tailor; Delaware Market House; Kay's; Wayne Hardware; H.C. Hadley's pharmacy. Hadley's became Wack's Pharmacy. Norman A. Wack was Hadley's errand boy, then took over the business under his name. Wack's operated until the 1980s, and was well known for displaying several original C.W. Bensinger postcards in a glass case.

Today the Block is more active then ever. The Block has almost doubled in size, including popular stores like The Gap. In late 2006, construction began on the west end of the Block to add the "Steepleview" condominiums, in what is perhaps the most drastic alteration the building has ever seen. Though the physical building will never be the same (unless a wealthy history-conscious businessman decides to buy the block and rebuild the towers sometime in the future), the sprit of business has barely changed in 100 years.

Photos

Radnor Historical Society Photos
This photograph shows the Bellevue looking east. The street on the left is today known as Bellevue Ave.		An engraving of the hotel from a Wayne Estate real estate brochure.		A band of some kind at the foot of the building.

Wayne History Online Photos
This photograph shows the Bellevue looking east. The street on the left is today known as Bellevue Ave.		An engraving of the hotel from a Wayne Estate real estate brochure.		A band of some kind at the foot of the building.
This photograph shows the Bellevue looking east. The street on the left is today known as Bellevue Ave.		This photograph shows the Bellevue looking east. The street on the left is today known as Bellevue Ave.		This photograph shows the Bellevue looking east. The street on the left is today known as Bellevue Ave.
This photograph shows the Bellevue looking east. The street on the left is today known as Bellevue Ave.		This photograph shows the Bellevue looking east. The street on the left is today known as Bellevue Ave.		This photograph shows the Bellevue looking east. The street on the left is today known as Bellevue Ave.

Notes

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