YESTERYEAR-MAIN STREET, 1949

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YESTERYEAR-DOWNTOWN EVANSVILLE  STREET, 1949

Business boomed in Evansville in the post-war years, and Main Street was still the city’s most important commercial hub. This picture shows the 200 block of Main, looking towards Third Street. In the foreground at left are the Carlton Hotel and a sign for the WJPS radio studio; on the right are numerous clothing stores and Hermann’s Candy Company. In the background, the tall Citizens Bank building (right) and Old National Bank.

FOOTNOTE: We want to thank Patricia Sides,  Archivist of Willard Library  for contributing  this picture that shall increase people’s awareness and appreciation of Evansville’s rich history.  If you have any  historical pictures of Vanderburgh County or Evansville please contact please contact Patricia Sides,  Archivist Willard Library at 812) 425-4309, ext. 114 or e-mail her at www.willard.lib.in.us.

 

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5 COMMENTS

  1. Editor: What’s the chances of making these photos from the archives a “regular” (2 or 3 days a week) feature. Love to look back on all this type of stuff.

  2. To the Editor: What is the chance of making these photos a regular (maybe 2 or 3 times a week) feature of the CCO? Love to look back on these types of pics.

  3. Sorry for the double post. Thought I forgot to click “post comment” on the first one so did another.

  4. Thank you Patricia. This is a fabulous photo! I was born in 1948 and remember as a toddler walking down Main Street hand gripping Mom’s hand and starring in wonder at all the color and activity. I remember these cars too. The back seats were huge and the driver had to have a strong leg for the clutch and strong arms to turn the wheel (no power steering). I drove one to college for 3 years. I am glad that mom, dad and the rest of their generation are not now alive to see what has become of Evansville. I am sad too in many ways for many reasons.

  5. I thought I would share this little slice of history today. Shelby County is east of Louisville. BTW, January 1, 1864 the temperature dipped to -30 degrees Fahrenheit and was blowing a gale.

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    January 1, 1864 Page 2 — January 1864 TENNESSEE HISTORICAL COMMISSION January 1, 1864 – Confederate soldiers, a.w.o.l. and deserters in Middle Tennessee, an excerpt from the diary of John C. Spence: We now frequently meet with and hear of others of the Southern Soldiers who have got lost, mislaid, run off or deserted from the army. Well! Don’t blame them much. They wanted to come home. All tell a doleful tale about their hard-ships and suffering while in the army.

    Spence, Diary January 1, 1864 – “Notwithstanding the Yanks are such near neighbors, we have had a house full of Rebels all day. . . ” An entry from Belle Edmondson’s diary, Shelby County January, Friday 1, 1864 ‘Tis New Year, a happy one to our household. Lieut. Spotswood and Eddie came last night. Poor Eddie is greatly in need of clothes. I do not think we will have much trouble in out Gen’ling the Yanks. I have $50. G. B. [green backs] left I intend to devote to that purpose. It is very cold, all nature is robed in Ice. Notwithstanding the Yanks are such near neighbors, we have had a house full of Rebels all day, four of Henderson’s Scouts-Lieut. S. Eddie, Jim & Elb Jeters. Nannie and I went in the buggy over to the smugler’s, Joe White, to see if we could not get some things there for Eddie, failed, bro’t Lute some soap-almost froze to death-got home at dark, all just finishing dinner, had a splendid time tonight. Our Armys all seem to be Status Quo. God grant successful may be the termination of 1864-oh! my savior I have buried the past-guide and lead me from temptation. After you, my God, then I live for my Country-God bless our leaders in Dixie. Diary of Belle Edmondson

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