The Spirit of Community in Delano is defined by the
Creativity, Resilience, and Community Investment of its people.
138 River Street North
Plattner Building
Since 1892, this building has housed a variety of businesses that reflect Delano’s changing commercial life. It began as John B. Plattner’s General Store, where customers could purchase everything from dry goods and overcoats to boots, hats, furnishings, and notions, promoted through Plattner’s enthusiastic weekly advertisements in the Delano Eagle. In 1913, the building was sold to William Picus, who operated the business until 1920, while Dr. Charles Parker maintained his dental office upstairs. By 1940, Warhol’s Rexall Drug Store occupied the building and featured an impressive 30-foot soda fountain made of Central American primavera wood. The building later became home to Brown Plumbing, and in 1987 began another chapter as Dave’s Town Club, continuing nearly a century of service as a familiar part of Delano’s downtown business district.
J. B. Plattner opened a general merchandise store in Delano in 1892. Then in 1895 he purchased the Steffes building on River Street and moved his goods into what became known as the Plattner building.
It was described as one of the best locations in the village. The whole of the first floor and basement was required to accommodate “one of the largest and most varied assortments of general merchandise in town.” His policy was “one price only, and that price right.” Plattner offered a complete line of dry goods, clothing, hats, caps, shoes, groceries and a five and ten cent department.
“I’m doing business with you because I have just exactly what you want and my prices are simply irresistible.”
1895
1907
1912
Wm Picus bought the business in 1913 and stayed there until about 1918.
Dr. A. E. Phillips had his office above Plattner’s, as did Charles E. Parker, Dentist.
Harold Henk opened a drug store the Plattner building in 1927 and put a new front on the store in 1934.
It featured a 30 foot soda fountain bar made of primavera wood, from Central America.
When there was a fire in the Delano Theater 1937, Katherine Gnitka, living in one of apartments above the Henk Drug Store next to the theater, awoke to heavy smoke pouring into the building and raised the alarm. Damage to the Plattner building was primarily from smoke and water. The Henk Drug Store was succeeded by Warhol Drugs in 1944, and then Moran Rexall Drugs. The next resident was Brown Bros. Plumbing, who were in the building when the theater again has a fire in 1971, this time destroying it completely.
Dave Carroll bought the building in 1992, which had been vacant for twenty years, He spent 4 ½ months renovating the interior and opened November 10, 1992. Dave’s Town Club is still there today (2026).
New interior, 1993
“Tippy’s Town Tavern” next to Dave’s Town Club during the filming of the movie “A Simple Plan’” in 1998.
2026
The sign on the side of Dave’s Town Club is from the movie.
The content of this page is brought to you by the Delano Spirit of Community Trail Committee in honor of Delano's 150th Anniversary.