The Nangle Block was listed in the city directories at 217-221 Minnesota Avenue for the older building (1898-1911) and at 300 Third Street for the newer building (1911-2015) – depending on the building and which entrances took priority.
Charles Nangle came to Bemidji in 1898 and started his business in the Malzahn block. Charles Nangle purchased Lot 1, Block 16 of the original townsite on Nov 9, 1898 from Weagant for $1300. Weagant and Nangle filed the paperwork on Dec 9, 1898. Nangle then moved his business across the street from the Malzahn block, where he carried a fine stock of groceries, provisions, flour, feed, dry goods, clothing, boots, shoes and hardware. His first recorded sale to the county was $9.90 worth of jail supplies.
For some time Charles Nangle has contemplated retiring from the active politic to go into the mercantile business, and on Monday morning last, he waked up feeling fresh and clear-headed on the subject. As men do when they feel strong, he purchased the business lot occupied and owned by A. H. Weagant on the corner of Third and Minnesota. Before the sun had set on his resolution, he had made a purchase of the property at a cash price of $1,300 or about $200 less than it is worth. After completing the purchase, Mr. Nangle at once set sail for the twin cities to stock up for a big winter’s trade. Mr. Weagant says the sale was made by him because he seriously thinks of taking his family to a warmer climate on account of the frail health of Mrs. Weagant. (Bemidji Weekly Pioneer, Jan 19, 1899)
Dr. Thornthwaite, proprietor of an osteopathy school in Galveston, Texas, before the cyclone, has now located over Nangle’s general store. Female troubles a specialty. Consultation free. Call and see him. (Dec. 19, 1900)
Nangle went out of business and held big “Going Out of Business” sale starting in March 1911 – everything had to go by April 10, 1911. He then replaced the building. Nangle built the commodious building at the corner of Third Street and Minnesota Avenue,
This morning the plans for the new building, which Charles Nangle is to erect, were placed in his hands by Thomas Johnson the architect. Mr. Nangle is today advertising for bids for the building of the new structure. From the plans of the building, the first floor of which is to be used by Mr. Nangle as a grocery store and the second floor for the new quarters of the Bemidji Commercial Club, it is evident that the building is to be modern in every respect and that it will be a credit to the city of Bemidji. (Mar 18, 1911)
BEMIDJI MERCHANT RETIRES
Charles Nangle, In Business Here Since 1897 Closes Out. With the selling of his stock, Charles Nangle, who has been in business here since 1897, and who is considered one of the city’s leading business men will retire. He has already sold his hardware stock to the Given Brothers Hardware company and is rapidly disposing of his other goods. Just as soon as his stock is taken from the building, on the corner of Minnesota avenue and Third street, work will be begun of the new structure which Mr. Nangle is to erect. In the new building the Commercial Club will have its new and modern quarters. (Mar 21, 1911)
Work has begun on moving the old Charles Nangle store building. The building has been on Minnesota Avenue by the side of the modern new business block on Third street during the work of construction of the new building. It will be moved to the Soo right of way and will be used by Mr. Nangle as a warehouse. (Aug 19, 1911)
A formal opening of the Commercial Club at its new quarters in the recently erected Nangle building, Third St and Minnesota Avenue, on Oct 12, 1911.
Chas. Nangle, residence (1913)
The new building is steam heated. Fred Anderson who is favorably known in Bemidji, having made his home here since 1905 with the exception of the past four years which he spent in the western part of the United States, will be in charge of the new hotel. Mr. Anderson has had considerable and well known experience with the public. He has leased the second story of the Nangle building for a long period and expects to conduct a first-class hotel. The hotel will be known as the Nangle hotel.
Anderson has now opened the hotel for business. The new furnishings have been put in place, his lease having taken effect January 1. The firm of Huffman & O’Leary of this city was the successful bidder for the furnishing of hotel and the building. (Jan 3, 1922)
Charles Augustine Nangle died Oct 20, 1933 in Beltrami County
Williams Hardware Co., wholesale was listed in this block (1934-35)
Williams Hardware announces the closing of its Bemidji branch. At one time Williams had 12 branches, the Bemidji branch is the last one to be closed. Jack Borland, branch manager, is retiring after 19 years of management. Ted Bruers and Ole Julin were offered positions with Williams in Minneapolis but they and their families have decided to stay here. (April 24, 1961)
The upstairs was a residence, a hotel, and an apartments complex under various names such as the Nan-Cen Apartments, the American Legion apartments, etc.
Gold Bond Gift Store was listed at 300 3rd Street in 1964.
The American Legion Club Building was in the building with the 219 Minnesota Avenue address until it was replaced by a newer one-story building — maybe 1990?. After twenty-five years, this brick building was sold to the owner of the 209 Bar in 2014.