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TOMPKINS DRY GOOD STORE: Tompkins, for so long associated with downtown Middletown, closed October 17, 1984. Many thought the company might have gone out of business after a disastrous preC-hristmas fire in 1918. The postcard at left from c1917 shows the new Tompkins building on North Street. The building at right is 23 North Street, presently Serpentini Jewelers. On December 9, 1918, Tompkins new store was completely destroyed by fire: Heroic efforts by the fire department saved the downtown business section. The photo below shows the gutted Tompkins store, with fire-fighters saving the building next door, now Serpentini's.