JWK/Read House
J.W. Kelly had a long relationship with the Read House. And every day we learn more. We originally found mention of Kelly' & Webb’s store in an article about the fire that destroyed the Read House’s predecessor, Crutchfield House. As it turns out, there was a lot more to this relationship.
The Read House opened in 1872. In December of that year, Kelly and Webb purchased restaurant space beneath the new Read House. This became Webb's main business for almost two years, by March 1874 he'd sold his primary interest. Kelly sold his second interest in October 1874.
In May 1890, J.W. Kelly purchased the Read House bar and billiards room. Finally, in October 1892, Kelly purchased the Read House cigar stand, which he retained until approximately 1902.
Side note: Both J.W. Kelly and S.R. Read were named as one of 100 Men Who Have Done Much for Chattanooga.
Here is a small selection of articles from our archives about both JWK and the Read House.
