Clinton experienced strong residential and business growth in the mid-1920’s. Abraham Deck Sams, supervisor of bridges and buildings for Southern Railway Company, began construction on a large 2-story business block in 1925. Consisting of three main level stores and a second floor for offices, assembly rooms, and apartments, the walls were made of concrete and the exterior clad in brown stone. Construction was completed in 1926 and C.M. Jones, an experienced merchant, opened a grocery store on the main floor. He reported a “very encouraging opening and all who called were served free ice cream.” Worthington Shoes & Dry Goods relocated here in the 1930s from another Market Street building. W.K. Ghormley operated Clinton 5-10-25 Cent Store in one of the storefronts 1935-1963. The building housed James H. Gann’s Variety Store 1963-1987.