Owens Drug Company announced with pride in January 1910 that its new store was “the handsomest drug store in the state.” The store had two entrances, one off Main Street and one off Third Street, and each entrance was equipped with an iceless soda fountain. In 1918, its next-door-neighbor, Wachovia Bank, added a floor to its skyscraper and expanded its building, removing the former Owens store. Owens then moved into the adjoining three-story building shown in the photo. The courthouse was right across Third Street from the drugstore, and the land surrounding the courthouse was considered to be a prime business location.