The fire of 1902 caused the citizens of Rifle the need to rebuild the downtown. One of the first was the McLearn Mercantile building located on its original site at Railroad Ave. and Third Street. The building was erected from native stone quarried from across the Colorado River south of town. It was the largest mercantile concern in Garfield County and one of the most up to date and enterprising firms to be found anywhere outside of large cities. The first story held dry goods, grocery store, hardware departments, lumber yard and farm implements. The second story held a fine display of furniture.

Mr. McLearn was the first President of the Rifle Chamber of Commerce in 1905. He was also County Commissioner, a Town Trustee, and member of the School Board. He was instrumental in getting a sewer system, water, electricity, and paved streets for Rifle as well as pioneering road building throughout the county. Mr. McLearn was the patriarch of a large Nova Scotia family that migrated to Rifle starting in the 1890’s. Rifle Shots / Rifle Vignettes