Main Street

The emergence of shiny new shopping centers and franchises over the last 50 years has no doubt taken a toll on some of the quaint downtowns of small town America. Many rural areas struggle to keep their original downtown areas viable while new chain restaurants and strip malls pop up near the highway or closer to new housing developments. I can't deny responsibility for being among the population of convenience-seekers that contribute to this issue. But it does make me sad to drive through towns with so much potential and see that they are 75% abandoned. Yet, some Main Streets are thriving and have found a way to preserve that original charm, while keeping the amenities modern and fresh. So I often wonder why certain towns are able to revitalize their downtown areas, and others struggle.

In either case, I never get tired of photographing these historic spots. Brick streets, original lamp posts, antique signs and charming benches can't be replicated with the same vintage feel. And those old downtown buildings have seen so much over the years. I know I'm not alone in feeling like I need to capture these areas before they are gone or unknown to future generations. I would love to see your images of small town America and hear your thoughts on what makes a successful revitalization.

Comments

[Michelle Sheldon]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/barefootdreams/4085116753/in/set-72157623087417749/

Waukesha's downtown has been undergoing a revitalization over the last several years. There are now a lot of art galleries, shops, and restaurants. There are monthly (i think) Art Crawls and Friday Night Live where they have live music in the streets. It's becoming a very cool place to be. :)

[christine]

I know you asked for small town America...but a lot of the local villages here in London are similar in feel:

http://just-travelin-through.blogspot.com/2011/01/walk-to-post-office.html

[yvonne]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/29289907@N02/?saved=1

I like this Small Town America theme you have today! This is my first time contributing, i'm not sure how to show the link for my Small Town picture, please bear with me. thank you.

[Kathleen O.]

We have some beautiful old brick mill buildings by the river in my town. Most are now offices - but I think they are kept up beautifully. http://www.flickr.com/photos/ko2008/3915583797/

[ToniM]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/michel92/5290585630/in/photostream/

Revitalization of a small town has to start with the people who live in it. They have to want it, want to work to make it happen, and then support the small business owners who took the chance. Without the support of the community, nothing can survive.

[Patti G]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22639132@N04/5472277390/

Our city has undergone many changes since I was born! I remember it before shopping malls, and then the tornado that destroyed most of it in 1980 and the changes after and still going.
I'm not sure what has kept it alive, but it is. The 1st Friday every month is the "Art Hop" and the restaurants downtown are awesome. The old one screen theatre has been revitalized & used for headliners, proms, receptions.........
It's a fun place to be - any time of year!

[Susan]

I agree with Toni, the people have to want it and have to support the businesses. We just moved back to a town we had lived in for more than 25 years, and so happy to see how it has grown & developed while still taking care of its old buildings & parks, looks very healthly!

http://windrockstudio.blogspot.com/2011/02/pretty-windows.html#comments

[damiec]

I love the character, the craftsmanship and the quirkiness of older towns & buildings. I don't discriminate - they can be beautifully restored or tumbledown - they are a favorite subject.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/22487105@N06/5319216594/in/set-72157622106832024/

[Deirdre]

I grew up in NYC and moved to a small town with a thriving Main Street 2 1/2 hours north of the city about 8 years back. I marvel at the place every day. Here is a photo that I think shows it off well: http://www.flickr.com/photos/superdewa/4312063658/in/set-72157623539978149/
It is part of a whole set devoted to my small town: http://www.flickr.com/photos/superdewa/sets/72157623539978149/with/4312063658/

[bridge]

what an exciting subject~
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ridethewavesoflife/4874011778/in/set-72157624698188887/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ridethewavesoflife/4655117240/in/set-72157624698188887/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ridethewavesoflife/3131939183/in/set-72157620550547730/

[Kristy]

I share your feelings about the importance of revitalization, and making pictures of the vintage. I often hope that by capturing something historic in a creative way, perhaps it might generate interest in others to come and appreciate it, in their own way. Hooray! (-:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/crunchyfootsteps/3949192786/in/set-72157615785400164/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/crunchyfootsteps/5369931321/in/set-72157622007173073/

[Lisl]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/73718243@N00/2379510753/in/set-72157603836399647/

here's a Polaroid I took of a five and dime in a small town in Michigan, near where my parents live. I love this main street and love to stop in this store for beach goodies.

[gucci outlet]

This is absolutely fantastic!! Well seen!! Well done!! Bravo!!