This building has lived many lives and carries more than a century of Anderson’s history within its walls. What we know so far:
- 1880s – Early Industry
Records suggest the building was originally constructed around 1880 to house a medicine factory (we’re still seeking more details about this chapter). - 1885 – 1949 – A Home for the Press
Newspapers have always been at the heart of Anderson, but two in particular shaped the city’s history: the Anderson Herald (founded in 1868) and the Anderson Daily Bulletin (founded in 1885).- The Herald, nicknamed the “Red Hot Herald,” championed Republican views.
- The Daily Bulletin became Anderson’s first daily newspaper, voicing Democratic perspectives.
- The Daily Bulletin was published from this very building from 1885 to 1949, where it regularly clashed with its rival in print.
- In 1949, the two competitors merged to form Anderson Newspapers, Inc., which later became The Herald Bulletin.
- 1954 – 1998 – JC Sales Toy Store
John T. Christ, founder and CEO of JC Sales, purchased the building in 1954. His company grew into the largest wholesale toy distributor in the Midwest, operating here until the building was sold to Max Howard in 1998. - 2000 – 2018 – Madison County Correctional Complex (MCCC)
Local attorney Max Howard repurposed the building into the Madison County Correctional Complex, which housed adult male inmates and provided opportunities for work release. It operated here from 2000 until it relocated to Broadway in 2018. - 2019 – 2021 – Yuvania Coffee Shop (Unfinished)
In 2020, the building was purchased with plans for a coffee shop called Yuvania. While the name appeared on the front, the project never came to life and was abandoned. - 2021 – Present – Studio Zen
In 2021, we purchased the building for $60,000 and began the journey of transforming it into Studio Zen—a place for healing, creativity, and community.
A Work in Progress
This history is still unfolding, and we know there are gaps in the story. If you have memories, documents, or stories about this building’s past, we’d love to hear them. Together, we can honor and preserve the full history of this space.
