In the fall of 1877 Mr. (Clarence E.) Finch came to Lake City to personally superintend his business, which has steadily increased in keeping with his previous successes, and has since been known as the "New York cash store." The store building Mr. Finch bought in 1875, on speculation from H. B. Claffin & Co., therefore his establishing a business in Lake City could be considered accidental. The building is the only white or cream brick structure in Lake City, and the first brick building built in the town. The brick were brought from Chaska, on the Minnesota river, and it was built by Mr. James C. Stout in 1866. It is one of the very best built buildings in the town, having been only slightly scorched by the two destructive fires of Lake City. The building, 25x80, is two stories and basement… (History of Wabasha County, Together with Biographical Matter, Statistics, Etc., H. H. Hill & Company, Publishers, Chicago, 1884, Page 1204)