S.H. Kress & Co.
Nogales, AZ
Photo courtesy Gorb70

Here’s the old S.H. Kress & Co. building along Morley Avenue in downtown Nogales. With its tall brick front, rows of second-story windows and decorative cornice, the place has a little more style than the average five-and-dime store. The big storefront once helped make this busy border-town street feel like a real downtown shopping district. 03-07

The building was designed by Kress company architect E.J.T. Hoffman and opened in 1922. Business must have been pretty good because the store was expanded in 1927 and again in 1954. Kress sold inexpensive clothing, household goods, toys and plenty of other small items that shoppers did not know they needed until they walked through the door.

Because the store stood only a short distance from the Mexican border, its merchandise and directory signs were displayed in both English and Spanish. That was an unusual touch within the Kress chain and a reminder that downtown Nogales served shoppers from both sides of the border.

McCrory Stores took over the location in 1980 after the Kress chain began disappearing. The old building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985 and later housed other businesses, including Sam’s Perfumes & Fashion.

UPDATE: The former Kress building remains standing and continues to be used for commercial purposes. The original Kress signs have been removed, but the 1922 brick facade and much of its decorative architecture survive. 09-26

Zettler's Store (Closed)
Ash Fork, AZ
Photo by RoadsidePeek.com

Here’s Zettler’s Store along old Route 66 in Ash Fork. The little storefront does not put on much of a show, but the painted signs and “Serving Route 66 Since 1929” mural give away its long history. This was once considered the oldest continuously operating business in town. 03-19

Homer and Marie Zettler arrived in Ash Fork around 1929 and opened the City Bakery, although some records date the formal opening to 1930. After World War II, their son Vern bought the business with his wife, Marge. In 1946 they turned it into Zettler’s Market, selling groceries and everyday supplies to locals and Route 66 travelers.

The family ran the market until the early 1980s, and later owners kept it going until 2012. Following a restoration, the store reopened in 2016 with crafts, collectibles and Route 66 souvenirs. Another owner revived it in 2020 with antiques, local goods and even fresh eggs and baked treats.

UPDATE: Zettler’s Route 66 Store announced in May 2024 that it was closed until further notice. The historic storefront and painted Route 66 mural remain standing. 09-26