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In order to bring together the merchants in corn, flour, and grain, a merchant’s exchange was created in 1854. Later, all merchants were included in their organization. Originally they operated elsewhere, but in 1864, their membership had swelled and they began discussing construction of a new building to house their enterprise. On October 1867, the corner-stone was laid and on December 12th, 1868, the building was transferred from the contractor to the Exchange officers. On March 1, 1869, the building was dedicated. Only 9 months later, on December 7, 1869, the structure burned down. Undeterred, they immediately began plans for a new building and one year later, the doors opened on the new building.

The exchange building was described as “a very handsome structure” measuring 92’ x 150’, built of pressed brick with brown stone elevation and a granite base.  It included 6 stories in a Victorian style. The construction cost was $224,400 including the cost of the land.

The Chamber of Commerce operated out of this building until it was sold to the Keystone Telephone Company in 1901.

Keystone Telephone Company (1901-1967)

The Keystone Telephone Company operated out of 131 S. 2nd Street for 44 years before being bought out by their direct competitor the Bell Telephone Company.

In the early 1900’s when the telephone was just being installed throughout cities, each phone company ran their own proprietary wires and systems; creating a large volume of cables stretching around everywhere. Keystone focused their initial business on business customers including government agencies, creating such a strong brand, city workers called each other “on the Keystone.” If you see a manhole cover with the initials “KTCO” you know you are seeing one of their access points.

Fun Fact: The very first telephone connection between separate cities was constructed between Philadelphia and New York in 1906 as an underground cable. The signal was very weak, but laid the groundwork for the level of connectivity we take for granted today.

Later, in 1915, when amplifiers were in use, the connection between Philadelphia and San Francisco was made, with the inaugural call made by tapping the Liberty Bell!

In 1945, when the Bell Telephone Company took over the Keystone Telephone company, they continued operations in the building until approximately 1962 before abandoning the building altogether. At that time, the building had stood for over 106 years. Sadly, in 1976, after falling into disrepair, the structure was demolished.

Welcome park (1982-Present)