99 Years of Service

Our building is constructed of volcanic tuff stone quaried from nearby Pleasant Valley. Dr. Ison used resources from his father's estate to craft this fine structure starting in 1908. Many people who have toured our upstairs have remarked, "how New York!" The architectural influence probably came from Virgil's time spent in Manhattan--first at Columbia University Medical School and then his internship on the Lower Eastside. His duties as a maternity doctor exposed him to some of the toughest Italian neighborhoods. A black doctor bag saved him from many a potential disaster when people realized he was no threat and only there to help their families and friends. This 1910 photo is believed to depict the first shipment of the Model-T to Baker City. The upstairs windows show the names of Dr. Ison's and his dentist brother-in-law Dr. Alexander MacDougall. At street level the Chinese On On and Co. Dry Goods was the first of many retail establishments to occupy the main floor over the years. Come see us soon to learn more about our building's colorful past.