Charles F. Lancaster and F. L. Smith — Lancaster & Co.
According to Geo. W. McPherson, in his History of Randsburg, Mr. Lancaster and Mr. Smith established a general merchandise store in Randsburg in December of 1896. In 1899 Mr. Lancaster served on the Citizens Committee. C. G. Illingworth bought out Mr. Smith in January of 1898. It is presumed the store set at the location that C. G. Illingworth did business for 18 years which is the bank building on the Northwest corner of Butte Ave. and Jewell St.
October 21, 1899: “LANCASTER & CO’S new building is fast approaching completion and they expect to occupy it by the first of December. It is 25 x 60, built of stone, with a fine cellar under the back end and when completed will be absolutely fire-proof.” –Randsburg Miner
http://randdesertmuseum.com/site/randsburg/merchants-2/
