Walking down Main Street in 1935, Jamestown, New York


Walk with me. It's 1935, and we're standing on the northeast corner of Main Street and 2nd Street in Jamestown, New York looking south towards the railroad bridge.

I found this image on the Duke University website, and it's exactly the kind of place that I love to walk in my imagination. This photo, by the way, was taken of the billboard, as proof to the Coca-Cola people who paid for the space that their ad was up and visible. OK, let's walk.


Most of these buildings are gone now, except for the one right there that says Carnahan-Shearer Co., and the one down the street that says Presents. That's where we're heading, so the first thing that we need to do is cross Main Street. There doesn't seem to be much traffic today, so we'll be fine.


Sure! We can stop in at the shop on the corner, maybe get a Coke. They also have a tea room! No, no cigars for me, thank you! They also have Lambros ice cream - that sounds good on a hot day!


I wonder who that lady is? Do you suppose that she works in the Real Estate office? Or maybe she's been to see the tailor? Hang on, I want to stand at the window and look at the display inside.


OK, down the hill. Hey! No running! I wonder what I could buy with a dollar in 1935? I'm sure that I could get a haircut. I might even be able to get a shave-and-a-haircut, although it would probably be more than two bits! Do you need anything from Knapp Electric Company? No? Anything from W.B. Drugs? Yeah, I see what you're looking at, the restaurant there at the end of the block.



Let's go into the Oliver's Restaurant. Since we're time-travelers from the 21st Century, I'm sure that we could get anything on the menu, and dessert, too!


Hmmm... now I'm thinking about Coca-Cola, I wonder why? Let's cross 1st Street and check out Abe Present's place. No, I don't need any jewelry, do you? What? An engagement ring?





Images from the Duke University Library Digital Collections.
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