Davis Mercantile

History

The sights. The sounds. The smells. Many are the same, many bring back memories. The Davis Mercantile is once again home for many friends who gather to visit, shop, relax, and eat. The beginnings of the Davis Mercantile complex date back to 1891 when Hezekiah Davis saw a need in Shipshewana to accommodate those traveling through town. Building a hotel close to the train depot was a good idea. His family built several buildings in and around Shipshewana and is remembered today for pioneering the trade that took place over one hundred years ago. In the late 1960's it was decided to move the Old Davis Hotel from its location at the corner of Main and Morton Streets to a block West on Main Street. This was no small task and was something the entire town came to see. Year's later, in the 1980's the Miller family purchased the Hotel and began refurbishing the hotel that had been used for other things in the past century, including a chicken hatchery! Soon the hotel was simply not big eno

Specialties

The merchants of the recently rebuilt Davis Mercantile welcome you. Throughout four floors, you are sure to come across come interesting finds at 18 inviting shops. Throughout the Mercantile, you will find home accents, apparel, Amish inspired specialty foods such as fresh, hot pretzels and endless variety of confectionery and baked goods. Quality patio furniture and Amish crafted kitchens are among other things you may find here at the Davis Mercantile. The Mercantile also features a 106-year old Dentzel Carousel with hand-carved farm animals and, at the center of the grand staircase, the trunk of a Douglas Fir nearly four centuries old.