Rainier #10: McKay Building

107 First Street

McKay Building on September 5, 2005.

This old commercial building dates from sometime after 1910. As it was known as the McKay Building, I assume it was built by Joe McKay shortly after he took over the Rainier Pharmacy in 1916.

McKay Building on July 13, 2008.

In the fall of 1934, Rainier Mercantile moved from the Sammons building on the highway to this building. On January 1, 1950, Robert Clement, who began working for the business in February 1946, took over and the business became Bob’s Market. Clement officially closed Bob’s Market on December 31, 1954, though he continued limited operation into January to liquidate his inventory. On February 13, 1955, Howard Chase opened Chase’s Cash Market in the building. Chase’s business was novel at the time in that it did not use credit accounts and required cash payment for all purchases. Chase later purchased the building.

McKay Building on February 25, 2011.

Chase’s Market closed in June 1970, and since then the building has been home to a variety of businesses. It was the home of More Power Computer Upgrades until 2015. There were vending machines for soda and candy in the alcove on the left that ended up being abandoned and forgotten for many years. The alcove has been enclosed and is no longer accessible, but the vending machines may still be in there.

Continue to 11: Rainier Elementary School…