Built as a residence, store and office for Dr. J.W. Walters, the retail operation included the sale of drugs, sundries and limited grocery items.  The existence of the post office caused community residents to visit the store on a regular basis to send and receive mail while engaging in the informal exchange of information in this social setting.  The addition of the switchboard for the local Siloam Telephone Company in 1910 added to the communications function of the building, even for those who did not physically cross its threshold.  The telephone switchboard operated until 1961 and the post office continues to occupy the building.