The building initially housed the Brush post office, located in William Knearl’s general merchandise store, and a bank and clothing store. An opera house and a telephone exchange occupied the second floor. Beginning in 1920, the upper story became the Desky Hotel, with lodging uses continuing until about 1971. The building is also significant as a venue for a variety of community events, including dances, dinners, and National Guard meetings, as well as plays and early film exhibitions. The general store with the post office also served as an important place for social interaction for those living in the town and the surrounding agricultural area. The building’s Federal Electric sectional lamp letter sign was installed on its south wall in 1928 and is rare example of its kind.