Commercial Shepherdstown

These blocks constitute Shepherdstown's commercial district. Several one-story shop fronts have been installed in early buildings, but there are good samplings of unadulterated latenineteenth- and early-twentieth-century stores as well. The Opera House (1910, restored 1990–1992), on the north side of German Street near Church Street, has a massive central entrance with voussoirs outlining its arch and a polygonal bay strangely suspended from one side of the second story. The former Jefferson Security Bank (1906, northeast corner of German and Princess streets) at the east edge of the district is a brick structure with a florid entablature and even more florid pendant supports. These and other buildings attest not only to a long-standing and vigorous small-town economy, but also to Shepherdstown's current sophistication. One can buy latte as well as hardware, attend art films at the Opera House, and eat at the former bank, now a restaurant.