A Venerable Old Building
by Bill Jones

The building at 200 Market Street, which was owned for many years by members of the Will Gorman family, has an interesting and exciting history. It was designed and built by Will Gorman, circa 1900, from heart pine and sand brick that was manufactured at the brickyard west of town. In addition to this building, Gorman, a local gin operator and owner of the Winnsboro Brick Company constructed several other fashionable early 20th Century brick structures in town.

When completed, this spacious building, with a long mahogany bar and brass rail imported from New Orleans, was considered the most luxurious establishment on the bowery. Known as the Massal Saloon, it had a reputation for good drinks at a reasonable price and often offered free food for customers. In 1909, Bob Taylor became the saloon's proprietor; then in 1910 when all salons were closed through a local-option election, he turned the salon into a successful restaurant operation.

When the building changed hands again, old-timers referred to the location as the Union Store, then Leroy Hawkins Grocery and Market, to be followed by Son Calhoun Grocery, M.J. Peterson Grocery, Jim Herlocker's Piggly Wiggly, circa 1950. After that, it became a Dollar Store and Darlene's Antiques. When the Dollar Store moved out, the building remained empty for a number of years. Al and Myrna Stillman are the most recent owners of 200 Market Street, and it is the home of Trails Country Center For The Arts (TCCA).

Today, this historic structure breathes new life thanks to the TCCA, a dedicated group intent on promoting arts in the Winnsboro area. They offer art exhibits, concerts, theatrical productions, art classes, music and dance classes, and a host of other activities in all venues of art.

Considering its historical significance, it is appropriate that a reception for Texas First Lady Anita Perry was held at 200 Market Street on March 24 in conjunction with the ceremony to officially dedicate Winnsboro as a Main Street City.