MAY BROTHERS BUILDING
A young 20-year-old Joesph T May first ventured into Fremont back in 1868 and started a grocery store called ‘Staples and Fancy Groceries. Over the next couple of years, three of his older brothers would follow him to this newly established town positioned between the Platte River and the Elkhorn River. They continued to build up their business by trading with many of the travelers heading West. Over time they began to transition from a grocery store to a grocery distribution company supplying many smaller grocery stores throughout the area. In 1881 the brothers built a three-story brick building at the intersection of 6th and F St (Park Ave). The business was growing really well for the brothers and they built another three-story building behind the current structure in 1885.
These two buildings were tied together in the 1920s and have since become a cornerstone buildings in Historic Downtown Fremont.
The May family was considered one of the founding families of our town. Their contribution to the city and even a few myths about their lives are well noted among Fremont area historians.
One little-known fact is that the Louis E May museum located on Nye Avenue is the former home of the Nye families. Louis May is credited with preserving the Nye home. The museum now serves the community by housing and displaying historical information and antiques.
