1880s-1890s
1910s-1920s
1940s
1958
1970s
2010
2010
Today
The dates may be off a little bit and exact placement for every photo is lacking, but one can still infer the evolution of Main Street from this display. Despite the changes, those iconic buildings on the north side of Main Street appear destined to stay for the long haul. I know that we cherish them and nurturing their longevity will be a future challenge that cannot be ignored.
Excellent post!
ReplyDeleteSecond picture is before 1916 because the addition was added toward the bank
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ReplyDeleteThe early photos show two gargoyles (garboys?). I remember one and the steer's head from the 1950s. Who absconded with the gargoyles? The building on the Hotel Menasha site is as hideous as those on the McClone block. Don't kid yourselves. They'll take over the north side of Main Street as well.
ReplyDeleteJim Krahenbuhl
It appears our traffic engineers were ahead of their time, in that a circular round-about graced the center square. Too bad we can't redesign the intersection of Main / Milwaukee to eliminate the blind spot created by the stone wall of Curtis Reed Square and open up that intersection. Furthermore, the location of the original bridge (ending at Mill Street) served the Downtown much more than the present location at Racine, which bypasses the entire Downtown Business District - too bad the Mayor doesn't open his eyes and demand the DOT relocate the bridge to its original location.
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