In contrast to a much earlier time as reflected in the accompanying north-side detail from the popular 1923 Loving photo, I remember Center’s Historic Downtown Square in the 50's as more similar to what we see today. Nevertheless, there are significant differences that continued to occur after 1950. For example, of the fourteen storefront operations on the north side of the square in 1950, only one (Farmer's State Bank) remains today.
In the 1950’s on the square we had several barbershops to choose from, a couple of department stores and hardware stores, several clothing stores, two banks, and a variety of specialty shops, small cafes, cleaners and other services. We bought our cars on or near the square and visited the square’s corner post office every day. We still had a grocery store on the square and others very near, although outlets for food and farm supplies were rapidly moving to the outlying areas. It could be said that, in the 50's, we could still make a trip to the square for one-stop shopping. For better or for worse, it seems rather sad to me that the location for one-stop shopping has shifted to the loop, primarily because of what I call the “Walmart syndrome.”
To pursue such square detail even further, an analysis of the evolution of its storefronts from the late 19th century until 1950 will be featured in the January Issue of We the People of Shelby County (www.shelbycountytx.com). After covering the west side in January, the other sides will be addressed in succeeding issues.
To move past this first issue, however, I need the help of those who lived here during much of the last half of the 20th century. What do you remember or what photographs of the square’s storefronts might you have? I’ve noticed that photos taken during downtown parades are helpful, but I still have not filled in “all the blanks.” You might be surprised that my best work on “square research” is probably storefront identification prior to 1950; you would think that, after 1950, it would be easier. It’s not, however, and maybe that is because there were numerous changes of building occupants in these last sixty-five years.
It would be extremely helpful to receive whatever comments or photograph copies you are willing to share at dpswanzy@shelbycountytx.com. Thanks in advance for your assistance and enjoy the January 2015 issue.
