This image shows Northcross Machine Mfg. Co. on Madison Avenue, and the record indicates that the photograph was taken in 1950. Where along Madison Avenue was Northcross Machine Mfg. Co. located?
SOLVED!!
This mystery was solved by Phoebe Moore and confirmed by Caroline Carrico. Both pointed to a 1944 advertisement in the Commercial Appeal indicating that Northcross Machine Manufacturing was located at 385 Madison Avenue. Phoebe also stated, “The Sanborn Fire Insurance map from 1950, Vol. 3 seems to indicate that [Northcross] is the 385 Madison building – and that those two residences next to it were torn down.”
The 1949 aerial shows the two residences, which an anonymous detective stated “are possibly rooming houses owned by a Thomas E. Jordan and listed as 381 and 383 Madison.” Our anonymous detective further confirmed the location using the 1948 City Directory, saying, “Northcross Machine Manufacturing Company was at 385 Madison. Owned by two brothers- Leon and Wilson Northcross who also owned Northcross Tile and Marble listed at 388 Madison and Northcross Mantel and Grate Co at 411 Madison.”
This suggests the photograph was taken shortly before the two residences were demolished and puts the photographer near the corner of Madison and Wellington, pointing the camera toward the south side of Madison between Wellington & Lauderdale: 35.142896, -90.044131.