Mainstreet Toccoa Hosting Plaque Dedication Tomorrow

Mainstreet Toccoa is hosting another plaque dedication tomorrow at the old Parker Newman Drugstore and Soda shop located at BJ’s restaurant.

Community Development Specialist Christian Hamilton tells WNEG News the significance of the building.

“The building was built in 1907, generally around the same time as the Stephens County Court House,” said Hamilton. “Specifically, the Parker Newman Drugstore was a staple in the 1950s, it was known for its soda fountain. It was very much a popular hang out spot for middle and high school students in the 1950s.”

According to Hamilton, after the soda shop closed, the building housed Georgia Credit of Toccoa and then served as a storage unit until opening as BJ’s restaurant.

Hamilton said they are memorializing the building because of the historical impact that it’s had on the community.

The historic plaque dedications are part of the historic plaque walking guide and is part of the tourism aspect of downtown.

 

“We want people to be able to walk around, look at historic buildings and look at pictures while they walk around,” said Hamilton. “We’re hoping that everything we do contributes to economic development, so we want to bring people downtown, spend money downtown, support downtown business and of course enjoy the history of it.”

The plaque dedication begins at 5 p.m. and is at BJ’s restaurant, located at 51 Doyle Street.