The Siver Dollar Saloon

Second Avenue

Isolated by a lined parking lot where once stood an entire block of accompanying buildings-daily facing the traffic light controlled intersection of Broad and Second, stands the old Silver Dollar Saloon. Capitalizing on her prominent vantage point, this unique structure has for more than eighty years greeted passing Nashvillians---catching their eye with her fanciful turret, elaborate brick work, and decorative terra cotta wreaths, garlands and shells. Her Victorian eclecticism symbolizes a Gay Nineties era of pride in building and of lively riverboat traffic patronage. She also serves as a detached and carefree introduction to the hard-working wholesale business extending along Market Street to her north.

This long row of five identical three-storied buildings carries the title "Spring Brook Buildings." One of the earlier structures in the district, her façade is much less ostentatious than those of the full-blown Victorian style. Smaller proportioned moldings and a subdued roofline produce a simple, quiet, effect

In 1870 two known occupants were McCrea & Co., listed as cotton and tobacco factors and commission merchants at No. 42 Spring Brook Buildings, and Orr Brothers, wholesale grocers and commission merchants at No.40. The latter advertised as dealers in liquors and "Richland Hope Mills Sheeting & Cotton Yarn." Robert D. Foote inherited the property in 1886, and in '89 and '90 respectively he sold No. 154-156 to Kirpatrick Brothers and No.159-162 to Samuel Murphy. Listed as occupying No. 160 the year Murphy's purchase was Orr, Scoggins & Hume Grocery.

Wonderfully Victorian, the large pedimented cornice introduces itself: "Watkins Block 1875." Samuel Watkins, the brick maker and builder, gave this group his name. As a prominent Nashville builder before and after the Civil War, it is highly probable that Watkins constructed other Market Street buildings in addition to this particular one. The quartrepartite window arrangement of Watkins Block indicates the inclusion of four separate warehouse areas behind her broad façade. Consequently she had various owners and occupiers under her roof at the same time. Attesting to this fact is the non-uniformly painted front and the assortment of advertisements painted over her First Avenue entrance. Some examples of the latter are: "Aubrey O. Maxwell, Food Broker, "Field seeds, Threshers, Engines, Mill Machinery." "Dobson Hicks Co.," and "Herman."

So obviously modern with Victorian examples to each side, the Hooper Building is composed of straight, clean lines and filled with glass. Dated by an inset stone panel reading 1924, this contrasting yet undisturbing style was constructed by John M. Hooper. A sign for Hooper Grocery is still seen on the First Avenue façade.

Identified by the inset stone inscribed "Pilcher," this modern warehouse has only a modified cornice left as a reminder of more Victorian days. Built in 1902 by Andre Picher for his offices and grain business, she was also owned by M.E. Derryberry's family after his 1912 purchase of the property until 1943.