MIDAS ON MAINSTREET - One of the true legendary characters of mid 19th century Dublin was a merchant by the name of McBain. McBain operated a trading post and warehouse on South Jefferson Street in the area where Moore's Station and Tapley Finance are now located. McBain was one of the more peculiar merchants of his day or any other day. He kept his store locked at all times. A customer had to knock on the door to alert McBain of his presence. McBain would come to the door, take the order, lock the door, fill the order, bring it back to the door, take the money, and lock the door again. McBain was also somewhat of a miser. Legend has it that McBain buried gold along the banks of Harrison's Branch, which crosses S. Jefferson Street at P.M. Watson & Co.. In 1839 a Katherine McBain purchased three acres along the western side of Franklin Street bounded on the north by the railroad and on the south by Harrison's Branch. Many men tried and failed to find the gold. The legend was strengthened by the fact that when workmen were constructing the Troup House, Dublin's premier hotel, on the site they found what was described as a bushel of silver pieces in the hearth of the trading post. Dublin Courier Herald, Jan. 25, 1921, Laurens Legal Records, 1833-1857, by Allen Thomas.
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