I live in a small town in Ohio, population 10,000. It used to be such a nice place to live... everyone was friendly and every Friday evening, people would gather on Main Street, shopping all the stores and stopping on the sidewalks to visit with old friends. That's the only day the farmers would come to town to get what they needed for the coming week. Not like today when we can just jump in the car and run out to the store. They had to plan, get the kids all cleaned up and in their 'good clothes' and then make the long drive.
The above picture is our Main Street, 1939. I love the big round street lights. These were replaced just a few years ago. One of the 3 movie theaters was located on the corner of Main and Market (the right bottom corner). This is The Shines Theater. Every Friday and Saturday evening, there would be a line waiting to get in. There was a new movie playing each weekend. The night this picture was taken, which looks like a Sunday because everything was closed on Sunday, the movie was Martha Raye and Bob Hope in "Never Say Die".
This picture is "the Last Drayman". He is P. O. Shurtleff, a local resident. A drayman was historically the driver of a dray, a low, flatbed wagon without sides, pulled by horses or mules and used for transporting all kinds of goods. He often brought fresh produce into town to sell to the locals.
Mr. Shurtleff with his overall-clad horse was a familiar sight in Van Wert for many years. He made his final haul January 1944.
Well that's one for the books! I've never seen a horse wearing overalls before LOL! Great photos!
ReplyDeleteI love seeing your pictures of 'the good old days'! Small towns are the backbone of this nation and you are fortunate to live and have lived in one. Thanks so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love old photos, too, Carol!! These are great!
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