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Industry & CommerceAdded June 6, 2026

306 Main Street

This two-story building, the second permanent business building in town, was built at the direction of Paul Shoup, often referred to as the "Father of Los Altos." It was the foresight of Mr. Shoup and his associates that led to a concept of the town of Los Altos.

The first floor housed the town's first grocery store, believed to have been opened by January 1910. It was owned and operated by A.S. Robinson, husband of Faith Shoup, and brother-in-law of Paul and Guy Shoup. It was later sold to another grocer, a Mr. McDuffy.

The upstairs, sometimes called "Shoup Hall." was the only public meeting place available in early Los Altos. Prior to 1911, when the first grammar school opened, one teacher conducted all eight grades in this building. Scouts and church groups used Shoup Hall as a regular meeting place. Public use of the facility was discontinued after 1922, when Scout Hall was opened.

The front of the building has been altered slightly, as the front doors were originally set at an angle, with the entrance facing the corner. However, the structure is essentially the same as it was when originally built. . This historical marker was erected by City of Los Altos. It is in North Los Altos in Santa Clara County California

Coordinates 37.37837, -122.11689