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>A Tour of Richardson's Historic Heart
Author photo taken January 2022.
This building at 105 E. Main Street was constructed in 1909 (according to the Dallas County Appraisal District or DCAD), replacing a 2-story frame building with a false front, which can be seen in the vintage photo below (scroll down). In 1922, when the building was temporarily vacant, it was used for a display of home produced items, such as needlework, canned goods, preserves, and also relics, during the first annual Richardson Community Fair. In 1939 the building became a movie theater called the Ritz. In 1961, it was renamed the Electra Theater (see vintage photo below) and in 1963 the building was remodeled. In 1974, the Electra closed and the building was sold by owner Joe Joseph for $30,000. Since then, it has housed a variety of businesses, starting with Joe Pittman's home improvement to the present-day Shaddock and Caldwell Builders and Developers company.
Author photo taken January 2022.
This vintage view of 105 E. Main shows that a 2-story frame building with a false front originally stood there. Courtesy Richardson Public Library.
In this vintage photo from the 1950s, the RITZ Theater sign on the building at 105 E. Main can clearly be seen. Courtesy Richardson Public Library
Below: The historic heart of Richardson, from an 1878 map.
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