William Henry “Will” Watkins was born in Salem in 1877 to Dr. C. J. and Flora Conrad Watkins. He attended Salem Boys School, West End School, Davis Military Academy, and Wake Forest College.
After he graduated from Wake Forest, he returned to Winston-Salem and worked for E. W. O’Hanlon’s Drug Store for seven months. He left town for a short time, and when he returned in 1901 he purchased a half interest in D. H. Browder’s book store, then purchased the remaining half the following year. Browder’s business originally began around 1872 by a Mr. Lanier.
When Watkins purchased the business, it was located in an L-shaped structure in the O’Hanlon Building, and it faced both on North Liberty and West Fourth Streets. He later moved to another location that faced entirely on Liberty Street.
Children purchased their school books and supplies from Watkins Book Store, and the store was a gathering place for both men and women in town. Watkins opened another store at Thruway Shopping Center in 1956. He retired in 1958 and sold the business to Frank E. Dunn. Watkins was employed in the book store business for 58 years at the time of his retirement. Watkins Book Store moved to North Trade Street in 1959.
Watkins was a charter member of the Rotary Club and Forsyth Country Club, and was involved with the YMCA and in constructing the first YMCA in Winston-Salem. He was also a deacon and trustee of the First Baptist Church, and was chairman of the financial committee when the Fifth Street building was constructed.
Watkins passed away in 1960.
The photograph shows the interior of the Watkins Book Store. Will Watkins is the man standing closest to the front of the store. The little girl may be his daughter, Mildred.
Photo courtesy of Forsyth County Public Library Photograph Collection.
