The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
Years ago when Margie Barber and I were discussing early history of this township, she gave me this history of the area-commemoration of the town of Media's 125th birthday, these articles written by Faree Mathers are being shared.--Virginia Ross
Part XII
Businesses
The first bank of Media was called the Media Exchange Bank. The first cashier was J. L. Ford. It started in the old house that was moved up town in the room which has been used as the post office for many years. In 1895 a brick building was erected and was known as the Media State Bank. The cashier was R. L.Wray and the assistant was George Van Arsdale. The President of the bank was W. G. Pogue. The bank closed its doors Dec.28, 1931 during the depression. The building was purchased by the High School in 1938 and the interior was redecorated and fitted up for a Home Economic Classroom. It was sold to the Village in 1958 and is now the Town Hall.
Theodore Davidson was a cattle buyer. He had barns and several cattle pens just east of the Grade School on the hill. After the second railroad tracks were laid, the pens were moved east of town.
The first livery stable was run by John Wever. At one time Media had three livery stables in operation. One of the biggest traffic problems then were runaway horses.
The first drug store was run by R.P.Randall and John Suydam operated the first restaurant. Media' first doctor was Dr. W.H.Krohn followed by Dr. Lincoln, physician and surgeon; Dr. Tate; Dr. J. F. Meloan; Dr. Rankin; and Dr. J. P. Riggs, who was a medical doctor and a veterinary. He owned the first automobile in Media which was a Model H Ford in 1905. The first harness shop was owned by Jacob A. Hemberger and later purchased by Peter Quick. In 1894 W.E.Drain and family moved to town; he built and operated a carpenter shop.
On the southeast corner of the lot east of the High School was a building called the chicken factory. Here they dressed and packed poultry for shipment. The first barber shop was operated by a colored man named Billie McCard. His newspaper advertisement read: "J. W. McCard Tonsorial Artist. Razors put in order. Twelve shaves for a dollar." Frank Hamilton and Herman (Whitie) Dixon were barbers of Media. Hamilton operated a restaurant and Dixon a pool room in connection with their barber shops.