Long ago on independence square (Alton: real estate, high school, subdivision)

[dmouse]

Originally Posted by MRG Dallas

Tidbits along these locations:

Interesting that in early 61 or late 60 (whenever Polk's gathers its data) there was little commercial (over) development along S Noland after South Side

Houses and gas stations, the latter about 2 per block, starting after Hereford

There was a grocery & liquor market past Gudgell But nothing after that until past the RR Underpass and ending @ Wild Woody's White Tractor Parts & Eq Pashea's Nurseries Independence Sale Barn and long time veterinarian, Dr Schondelmeyer

And get this, back before I-70 came thru, at 3901 the Seventy Hi Drive In Restaurant. Imagine that, the first I-70 business on the block!

The Doutt's lived at the intersection of Aberdeen

By 1963 which we know was a year of freeway construction (per the June 63 aerials) the nurseries were gone, obviously to make way for businesses and something called "South Secondary Skool" emerged Past that was Little John's Drive In Independence Laundry & Cleaning, Siegfried Real Estate (know that name well) Indep Equipment (along with most of the gas stations and businesses et al mentioned above)

So I guess this has partially answered my question about what was there and about what time did S Noland turn from residential to commercial The pass-thru of I-70 was the incentivizer (my word) and the nursery provided land for some of the future (over) development

Perhaps The Mouse can chip in his recollections since that is his neck of the woods

Just a couple of things to add here.....South Secondary was the lack luster name attached to what would become Truman High School. The new building only housed 7th graders for 2 years, then transformed into Truman High. I was one of those 7th graders, then graduated in THS class of '68.

70-HI drive in served a mean cheeseburger! A friend I went to school with and his family were their first customers when they opened.

[Mad Anthonie]

Originally Posted by MRG Dallas

1954 There is a Mike Nigro (Lena) and a Mike, Jr listed in connection with . . . Country Side Super Market Residence 1523 US Highway 24

1950 Mike Nigro (Countryside Fruit Mkt) Residence Kansas City

I ventured out and about this morning. The building this market was in is gone.

[Mad Anthonie]

Originally Posted by MRG Dallas

Me also, so we too must have essentially "looked away" since Royal Rec was between Katz 203 and Gateway 213 as late as 1963 There also was Brown's Grill at 205 Robt Sturges Optometrist at 207

Anyone remember Heinz Bavarian Bakery @ 211?

After Gateway, a beauty and barber shop, the Jaco Historical Society/Jail Museum and the Fire Dept completed that side of the block

I remember most of these, as I walked this block every day as part of my paper route Sudora's Salon was my northern most customer, and I hated the smell of that place.

[MRG Dallas]

Originally Posted by Mad Anthonie

I remember most of these, as I walked this block every day as part of my paper route Sudora's Salon was my northern most customer, and I hated the smell of that place.

So when is everyone's recollection of the Decline and Fall of The Square?

And what stores, factors, etc did you associate with the decline? We know MAD has told us that "Urban Renewal" was a culprit and we also know I-70, Noland Rd and The Blue Ridge Mall were all major contributors

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Mine was probably early 70s when I attempted to drive up Maple and there were these ugly concrete parking structures, I believe to the Courthouse side, that one had to negotiate to travel north. Probably around where Woolworth's used to be

The place was dead already I likely hadn't been thru there in a few years but it sure was different

Depressing

[dmouse]

Originally Posted by MRG Dallas

So when is everyone's recollection of the Decline and Fall of The Square?

And what stores, factors, etc did you associate with the decline? We know MAD has told us that "Urban Renewal" was a culprit and we also know I-70, Noland Rd and The Blue Ridge Mall were all major contributors

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

Mine was probably early 70s when I attempted to drive up Maple and there were these ugly concrete parking structures, I believe to the Courthouse side, that one had to negotiate to travel north. Probably around where Woolworth's used to be

The place was dead already I likely hadn't been thru there in a few years but it sure was different

Depressing

I'd blame urban sprawl and changing attitudes: new centers "good", old uptown "uncool". Also I have to agree with Blue ridge Mall and that crappy urban renewal they saddled us with. Its nice to see it coming back although its awfully slow.

[MRG Dallas]

Originally Posted by dmouse

I'd blame urban sprawl and changing attitudes: new centers "good", old uptown "uncool". Also I have to agree with Blue ridge Mall and that crappy urban renewal they saddled us with. Its nice to see it coming back although its awfully slow.

Agree with you, dmouse . . . I would also add the proliferation of large company chains and franchising, esp groceries and restaurants (ie, fast food) Also the "super" concept, K-Mart, Venture and . . . and . . . and

WALMART

[Mad Anthonie]

The Blue Ridge Mall dug the grave, Urban Renewal provided the casket, Independence Center planted the tombstone!

[dmouse]

Originally Posted by Mad Anthonie

The Blue Ridge Mall dug the grave, Urban Renewal provided the casket, Independence Center planted the tombstone!

That MAD knows how to get to the point, eh?

[CaseyMO]

My last message was cutoff as it must have been too long. I tried to delete it and it would not delete and then it was not even available for editing. Ack! Sorry about that.

[dmouse]

Waaaaay back when, there was FOREST street, running east off Noland Road toward the Fair Ground. Does anyone happen to know when that street was renamed to FAIR?