Phoebus - by Inez Knox
Mill Creek, before
the war, and Chesapeake, after the
war, were names of this area but on
April I, 1900, was named Phoebus
after Mr. Harrison Phoebus.
A number of men could see this area
growing and opened several bars. It
is said that there was a bar on
every corner and one in the middle
of each block; the main streets were
Mellon, Mallory and Soldiers Home
line, now South Mallory. Liquor
flowing, the men needed
entertainment; several men like Mr.
Sheets, built houses for the young
women on several streets and in
order to find where they were, a
small red light burned all the time
on the porches. Persons living
nearby who complained about the
noise, could go for a cop and order
was restored. A doctor cared for
these young women weekly for
health's sake.
Naturally grocery stores, candy
stores, post office, shoe stores,
and men's clothing stores were
built.
Frank Phoebus, Harrison's brother,
was a contractor and builder; in
1897, two buildings, still standing,
on Mellon Street were erected. The
building next to Benthall's grocery
store, Mr. Wagner had a
photographer's shop and bookstore,
next to that was Chris Mugler's
first clothing store. The flat over
the store was the living quarters
and became the birthplace of John
Mugler, Sr.
The owners of property formed a
council having a mayor to be the
head; other men were asked to serve
also for the welfare of all people.
Coal and wood was the means of
heating and cooking. Mr. E.M. Tennis
owned a place for such supplies on
Mellon Street, where E.L. Clarke's
store is now. The building sold
grain and seeds for gardens along
with wood and coal, and in the back
his horses and wagon were kept for
delivery.