The Street Seen: Hollister Meat Market
2403 Main Street @ Hollister
In 1921, J.R. Leonard (1862 - 1935)1 builds a meat market and grocery store on the east side of Main St near the corner of Hollister. Hollister Meat Market remains there until 1934. The building still exists (a 1966 2-story building on the Hollister corner blocks this view).
Early Years
In 1914, Leonard has a meat and groceries store at the Hollister end of the Imperial Laundry building (2402 Main St). When the laundry is converted into the Hollister Garage in 1919, Leonard moves to the south end of the building (2408 Main).
2403 Main Street
In 1921, Leonard moves across Main St and builds Hollister Meat Market and Groceries at 2403 Main St. J.S. Snyder is the architect, and A.D. Marrs (1888 - 1945) the contractor for the $5,300 one-story 25-ft x 70-ft store.
In July 1921, Louis Gambina opens “Hollister Meat Market” at 107-109 Hollister. Leonard does not appreciate the (unfair ?) competition.
Leonard operates Hollister Meat Market and Groceries until 1934, when his poor health forces him to sell.
J.R. Leonard dies in 1935.
John Rathbone Leonard (1862 – 1935). Born in IN, Leonard marries Cora Bland (1867 - 1960) in 1885. From at least 1900 to 1910, Leonard has a meat market in New Castle, IN. In 1914, Leonard has a meat market in Ocean Park (at 2402 Main St) before moving across the street to 2403 Main St in 1921. The Leonards reside at 1112 9th St. in Santa Monica - Cora remains here after John dies. Following their deaths in Santa Monica, both John and Cora are interred in Henry, IN where they were born.