Grant Brothers, ca. 1899

This photo was published on page 14 of the Aug. 28, 1952, Lowell Tribune, which focused on Lowell's history as part of the town's centennial celebration. The caption under it read:

Left to right -- Jacob Ruley, Judd Jones, John Minninger, Gilbert A. McNay, Emil Ruge and Sam Simpson, employees and visitors at the Grant Brothers' store. Windows feature groceries, china, umbrellas, yard goods and flags. The new store was then owned by Thomas and Jim Grant, who purchased it just after the fire of 1898.

In 1952, the former's only son, Byrl, is owner. Byrl is assisted by his sons, Robert and until recently, David. David is now serving with the U.S. Navy. The basement stairways have long been removed and the store has been completely remodeled.

The Grant family numbers among Lowell's oldest and most prominent families -- storekeepers, bankers, land owners, and Tom served as state representative for this area and was a former county sheriff.

The photo again ran in the Lowell Tribune on November 28, 2006, accompanying a "Pioneer History" column by Town Historian Richard Schmal. He added the following information in the picture's caption:

The building is now owned by Rich and Dawn Meadows of the Lowell Carpet Store. Note the stairway on the sidewalk leading to the downstairs showrooms (right). For years a shotgun laid ready near the basement window well, shown on the left. The weapon was to be used if there were trouble at the bank across the street. The old firearm is still a keepsake of the Grant family.