When Mark Norris sold the triangle of land occupied by his Great Western Hotel - an imposing brick structure, on the NE corner of River and East Cross. Benjamin Thompson moved his wagon and carriage works into that building and was joined by his son Oliver E. Thompson who manufactured farm implements in that location for the next sixty years. The many Thompson properties located between E. Cross and Maple Street, were part of the growing 4th Ward of the city. The first Volunteer Fire Department, the Masonic Lodge in the Norris Block and many other Civic enterprises always found the name Thompson leading the way.
