Five generations of the Anderson family have operated Newton's oldest
retail business for over 100 years on Main Street. Founder Philip Murray
Anderson began his business in 1892 selling newspapers on Santa Fe
trains. In 1894 he opened a newsstand in an 8'x16' piano box at 420 Main
and was assisted by his mother, Clarissa. In 1900 the business was moved
to a double store front at 422-424 Main, the present site of the train
depot. These buildings, as pictured, were sold to the Santa Fe when the
store relocated at 522 Main in 1928. Phil M. Anderson was Newton's first
dealer of Victrolas, G.E. refrigerators, Eastman Kodak photo finishing,
Hallmark cards, fireworks and school books. The store was moved to this
location in 1938. The limestone and brick building was built in 1883.
The interior of the store has the original ceiling fans, wood floors,
metal ceilings and gas radiators. Phil E., third generation, started
work in 1931 and was a mainstay in the business for over 61 years. His
children, Dodi, Jon and Brad, worked in the store during their school
years. His son, Phil III, fourth generation, joined the business in
1958. Milton, Murray and Clay, fifth generation, began their retail
careers working in the store while in junior high school. Family
involvement has always been a trademark of the Anderson success.
Erected in 1997 by the family of Philip Murray Anderson and the
Harvey County Historical Society
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