Jewett-Bass Hall

Jewett-Bass Hall (c. 1915)

Jewett-Bass Hall (2014)

Site Name: Jewett-Bass Hall (former a restaurant, Jewett-Bass Store, and Jewett Store)

Date of construction: 1870’s

Reason for construction:  built as a general merchandise store

Site History: Opened in the 1870’s by brothers George and John Jewett as a general merchandise store. In the early 1900’s, L. Shelby Bass bought the building and continued running the space as a general merchandise store until the early 1940’s. The building then served as a bicycle shop, and, after a frame kitchen was added in the 1980’s, was converted into a restaurant. In that kitchen, Boy Scout Troop 876 was formed in 1983. In the Mid 1980’s, the area became property of Mount Pisgah United Methodist Church.

Area History: The site is located on Midlothian Turnpike, otherwise known as Route 60. Over many years, the town has grown around Midlothian Turnpike due to its success in the coal mining industry. Over 2 centuries, Midlothian has grown into a bustling town that still revolves around Midlothian Turnpike today.

Changes in this Site: this site has changed with the advances in technology. The relative layout of the area has changed, but the road, building, and the vehicles, have changed with the advances in electricity, automobiles, and building types have changed with the time periods and will continue to do so as time goes on.

Reflection: I originally researched this site to obtain the final pieces in the history of my Boy Scout troop. By researching the site, I learned about this site’s roots and how important the site was t o the daily lives of the residents here 100 years ago.

Author: Josh Moody