Although most people may still remember it best as the Farmer’s Daughter restaurant, the four-story building at 228-230 Main Street originally opened as Washington House in 1855. It is the oldest structure left in downtown, having survived the urban renewal movement of the 1960s, when many old buildings disappeared downtown. The hotel closed in 1867, but many other businesses have occupied the site. This photo is dated about 1960, shortly after the Carlton Theater was razed to make a parking lot for the Peoples Savings Bank in the middle of the block, and three years before the Farmer’s Daughter opened for its thirty-year run.
FOOTNOTES: 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.
That appears to be a 1962 Ford Falcon parked at the corner of the intersection, so that would date the photo to at least 1962.
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