contains the following verbiage to describe this contributing building's significance:
Built as the first Hamilton Drug Store, this 15' x 100' one-story structure is possibly the oldest commercial structure standing in Roseburg, and possibly in Douglas County. The windows and doors are replacement, however the original doorwell is intact. The upper portion of the front (west) facade is covered with a board slat material. Cast iron pilasters are still visible. The north wall appears to have been sandblasted.
This building is historically known as the Hamilton Building #1 because it was the first of three buildings constructed for the Hamilton Drug Store use; the other two buildings are directly to the south of this building. The Hamilton Building has been extended east and another story added. (Plaisndealer, August
24, 1887)
The Hamilton Drug company was established on January 15, 1856. Its founder, Dr. Salathiel Hamilton (1824-1914), settled in Douglas County in 1852. He practiced medicine in Roseburg until his retirement in 1893. Dr. Hamilton was a surgeon the for the 1st Oregon Regiment during the Indian War of 1855-56. He served as president of the Coos Bay Wagon Road Company and served four years as Douglas County Treasurer. As a Regent of the University of Oregon, he served two 12-year terms.
The Hamilton Drug Company occupied first the northeast corner of Main and Washington Streets (1856), then the southeast corner of Jackson and Douglas Streets (1860). It then moved to the northeast corner of Jackson and Washington Street (507 SE Jackson) in 1869. In 1878 the business was moved one door south to 509 SE Jackson Street. It was at this location that Dr. Hamilton's sons, W.S. and L.H., purchased an interest in the business. Hamilton Drug Company moved once again, and finally, one door south to 517 SE Jackson Street. By 1909 Hamilton Drug Company was one of five drug stores in Roseburg. The three storefronts on the corner of Jackson and Washington Streets were owned by the Lexington Investment Company. Dr. Hamilton and his sons and daughters were the sole partners of the company.
Josephson's New York Cash Store, which was established in 1877, occupied this storefront after the drug store moved. This business also occupied the space directly to the south in 1910. Watson's Dry Goods purchased the building in!912. In 1915 it was occupied by Goettel (Otto F.) Dry Goods, then the Goettel (Noble) Variety store which purchased the building c. 1930. During the 1960s the building was occupied by Howard's Mens Wear. It is now occupied by a picture framing shop.
This building is Inventory #94 on pages 94-95 of the NRHP Nomination Form and was erected in 1868. Today, this building remains empty.