Another picture of the Central Block which was erected on the public square in 1873-74 has come to light in a collection owned by Senator Willis K. Batchelet, and shows that the building was quite pretentious for its period. Occupying two lots it surpassed its neighbor, the Patterson block also a three-story building across the street but which was constructed only on a single lot. At the left was flanked by the Union Bank constructed near the same time. At the far left may be seen a portion of a frame building which was the old Orton Eagle House, the present location of the Odd Fellows block, the home of J.C. Penny store. The Pow bank occupied the corner room in the block while Sowle& Bodley store bordered on both sides with two entrances. The I.M. Sowle and Co. merchant tailors were on the second floor facing the public square and further to the rear was the Domestic Sewing Machine Rooms. The Milo Dawson grocery store occupied the small frame building back in the corner of the square. Concert Hall occupied the entire third floor of the double block. this room still being intact today.Steuben Republican March 13, 1957
