The first city directory that catalogued Pensacola’s businesses was published in 1886. In the late nineteenth century, there were not many buildings exclusively for commercial use. Many business proprietors operated from their residences or within the same building as their residences. The first few businesses that were listed in the city directories were grocery stores. John G. Sunday’s grocery store was the longest-running business in the Blocks in the late nineteenth century. Saloons, meat markets, and confectionery stores eventually populated the landscape of the Blocks. The first building that was exclusively for commercial use was The Croonies Saloon on the corner of Belmont and DeVilliers Streets. Across from the saloon in 1898 was from the West End Parlor Market which encompassed three properties.
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