by Kristine Schmucker, HCHM Curator
With the recent crumbling of the front facade of the building at 519 Main, Newton, and the discussions of how to proceed, we thought it might be of interest to take a look back at the building at 519 Main.
Probably the second oldest photo in the museum’s collection of Newton’s Main Street. Taken in 1879-1880, the photo is of the west side of the 500 Block looking south.
500 Block Main, Newton, 1879-1880
Opera House
Recent research has also revealed that an earlier Opera House was located at 519 Main.
519 Main, Newton, Kansan 50th Anniversary Edition. 1922
Sprinkler’s Furniture & Undertaking
519 Detail
Opera House 1878
Parades
Although the photographer meant to focus on floats and bands, a lot of clues can be gathered from parade photos. From 1900 on through present day, these photos highlight a changing Main Street.
1901
West side of Main, 1901. Western Journal of Commerce, 1901.
1911
500 Block Main, Newton, Ks , 1911
1921
519 Main, second floor visible in background, 1921.
1941
500 Block Main, 1941.
1957
500 Block Main, 1957.
1963
500 Block Main, 1963.
1965
500 Block Main, 1965.
1977
500 Block Main, 1977.
1992
500 Block Main, 1992.