south and east sides - about 1885

In this early photograph, it is difficult to separate 200 and 202 South Commercial Avenue.  200 is the 2 story building in the background to the right (north) - 202 is the smaller building on the left.  This is the same building shown in the 1888 map below, with the shed to the left (south) of the main building.

south side - 1888 map

In 1888, only a small building was located at what was to become 202 South Commercial Avenue.

Before 200 South Commercial Avenue and 202 South Commercial Avenue were made into one building, 202 South Commercial Avenue was occupied by J. C. Dibrell Hardware.  By 1904, however, a grocery store was at 202 South Commercial Avenue, possibly being owned by Dibrell, and later by Garrett.

south side - 1923 map

By 1923, a restaurant, possibly the American Cafe, had located at 202 South Commercial Avenue.

"In 1929, the American Cafe was located at 202 South Commercial Avenue.  It was owned by C. M. Henderson and J. T. Lane.  Its motto was, "Home of Good Eats."  Their telephone number was 176.  John Harris (colored) was a dishwasher at the cafe, with no residence address given.  The City News Stand was also located at this address.  M. M. Stubblefield was the owner." (Coleman City Directory, 1929 - Hudspeth.)