Toccoa Unveils New Historic Plaque

City officials gathered at 109 North Sage Street last Thursday to unveil another historic plaque in downtown Toccoa.  This plaque commemorates what was the extension of the former Harper’s 5 and 10 Cent Store initially constructed in 1925. “It was the first location of Franklin Discount Company Loans,” said Kembra Landry of Main Street Toccoa. “Franklin Discount Co. began in 1941 as a loan investment company.  Organizers of the company were Ben F. Cheek, Jr. and J.B. McMurray. Harper’s 5 and 10 Cent Store was located mainly on Doyle Street for more than 30 years. In the late 1940s/early 1950s, Harper’s Row was modified to accommodate the growing department store, which included this extension of that store, which was the location for its toy department.”  This plaque is one of a series that have been unveiled in downtown Toccoa over the past couple of years.  Eventually, Main Street officials have said they want to create a walking tour and podcast to highlight the historic buildings.