2016 Main Streets Across America

Primary min 12

Tahlequah, Oklahoma – Muskogee Avenue

Main Streets 2016: Oklahoma

Set in the lake country of northeastern Oklahoma at the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, Tahlequah’s main street, Muskogee Avenue, is the oldest in the state. This community, in fact, was incorporated by the Cherokee National Council in 1839 — more than half a century before Oklahoma even became a state.

There are many stories, even legends, behind the city’s name, but most scholars agree that the name has Cherokee origins. After the Cherokee were forcibly moved to Oklahoma on the Trail of Tears, Tahlequah became the new capital of Cherokee Nation. Today, with its strong Native American history and rich heritage, Tahlequah is the capital of two federally recognized tribes: the modern Cherokee Nation and the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians.

The town also takes pride in being home to Northeastern State University, Oklahoma’s oldest institution of higher learning. Both the university and the Cherokee Nation headquarters help to fuel the local economy and enrich the community’s culture.

Much of Tahlequah’s everyday life can be found right on North and South Muskogee Avenue. Norris Park is a popular community gathering spot and hosts a number of events that bring locals together. The childhood classic Where the Red Fern Grows, by Wilson Rawls, is set in this area — and each spring, Tahlequah’s Red Fern Festival celebrates the book’s culture, with hound-dog field trials, fern sales, cookoffs and classic children’s games. During the warmer months, residents enjoy free “Movies in the Park,” hosted by the Tahlequah Main Street Association. When the temperature drops, the group also hosts its signature event, Wines of Winter.

Historic Cherokee Square, another community gathering spot on North Muskogee, hosts Arts on the Avenue, a free event that displays a variety of artwork by artists from Oklahoma and nearby states. Further down on South Muskogee, the annual Cherokee National Holiday is a “homecoming” festival that commemorates the signing of the 1839 Cherokee Constitution and celebrates Cherokee heritage, culture and spirit.

Along with these festivals and celebrations, Muskogee Avenue offers shoppers and diners a number of independently owned eateries and boutiques. All contribute to the special atmosphere of this historic main street.

Street photo courtesy of Drew Haley – Tahlequah Main Street
Red Fern Festival photo courtesy of Josh Newton – Tahlequah Daily Press

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What makes a great Main Street?

How did we choose our Main Streets Across America? Here are the criteria we used when we studied classic main streets from around the country.

  1. Strong local business presence
  • Are there independent and/or owner-operated businesses that have been present on the street for more than 25 years? 50 years? 100 years?
  • Do businesses strongly support the community and “do good” for others?
  • Is the street historically significant to the development of a particular product, company or industry?
    • First store location for a large well-known retailer
    • Place where a product was invented or first sold
    • Key role in the industrial revolution
  • Key attributes of commerce and economic development (current or historical)
    • Railroad or trolley tracks; served as an old stagecoach or pony express route
    • Waterway (canal, river, shipping port)
    • Strong local business association; chamber of commerce
  1. Community Gathering Spots / scenic vistas
  • Does the street have one or more of the following:
    • A favorite local coffee shop, barber shop or other spot (even a sidewalk or street corner) where people greet one another or gather to chat about the news of the day
    • Town hall; local or state government buildings
    • Town common; Band shell
    • Meeting halls for social or fraternal organizations
    • School campuses
    • Boardwalk; walking path or bike path
    • Parks, playgrounds or recreation area; community gardens; sitting/viewing area
    • Public art (sculptures, murals, unique architectural designs)
  1. Celebrations of history and traditions/Reflections of civic pride
    1. Parades; community events; festivals
    2. Farmers markets; craft fairs
    3. Monuments; statues; historical markers; flags or street banners on display
    4. Evokes a sense of nostalgia
    5. Street, buildings or landmarks named after noteworthy citizens or listed on the national register of historic places
    6. Is the street the location of a significant historic event? (political, social, cultural)
  2. Diverse social and cultural events and activities
    1. Ethnic, Multi-cultural, multi-generational organizations and activities
    2. Several different denominations of churches or places of worship
    3. Diverse businesses and business owners
    4. Theatres; museums; summer concerts; public performance
    5. Organizations and activities that create a strong sense of community and “do good” for others

 

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Kansas

Topeka, Kansas – South Kansas Avenue

Main Streets 2016: Kansas

As the capital of its state, Topeka is a center for civic and cultural life, and South Kansas Avenue is where a whole lot of it happens. This thoroughfare stretches from the Kansas Turnpike to the Kansas River, and in the city’s downtown, it’s home to a lively arts and dining scene, interspersed with local nonprofits and businesses.

With the capitol building just steps away, South Kansas Avenue is close to a number of government agencies and landmarks, including the Brown v. Board of Education National Historical Site, which commemorates the landmark Supreme Court decision that ended legal public-school segregation in 1954. In 2016, adrenaline enthusiasts can look forward to the opening of the Evel Knievel Museum, one block over on SW Topeka Avenue, which will boast the world’s largest collection of the legendary daredevil’s stunt bikes and memorabilia.

South Kansas Avenue also stands out for its vibrant, eclectic arts scene. On the first Friday of each month, more than a dozen local galleries and studios open their doors to residents and tourists for a night of art crawling. The Topeka Performing Arts Center, a nonprofit organization, puts on a wide variety of musical and theatrical productions each year. Nearby, guests can enjoy dinner and a performance at local dinner theater, The Break Room.

Like most art-rich neighborhoods, South Kansas Avenue is also known for its diverse and delicious dining options. Locals catch up over a cup of joe at Classic Bean, Topeka’s first espresso coffee house and deli, and indulge at HHB BBQ, a smokehouse specializing in brisket and pulled pork. South Kansas Avenue also hosts a weekly farmers’ market offering the region’s best produce.

Several of Topeka’s favorite festivals take place on South Kansas Avenue. At Tap That, locals and visitors spend the weekend tasting craft beers, learning about the art of brewing and kicking back with other beer enthusiasts. In November, The Miracle on Kansas Avenue Lighted Parade brings the town together for a day of shopping, dining and music, topped off by a light parade of floats, marching bands, military vehicles and antique and classic cars.

Street photo courtesy of Chris Neal –  The Capital-Journal
All other photos courtesy of Stephen Smith – Downtown Topeka Inc.

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Primary min 4

Rockland, Maine – Main Street

Main Streets 2016: Maine

Like many other coastal towns in Maine, Rockland identifies itself with the sea as much as it does with its downtown — and Main Street embodies that connection. Just a block from the waterfront, you’ll find distinctive seacoast shops and eateries here. Behind the scenes is Rockland Main Street, an active community organization whose efforts to preserve and promote the downtown have been guided by its affiliation with the Maine Downtown Center and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

It’s technically on a side street, but the world-famous Farnsworth Museum anchors the Main Street district. Some of the best known artists who have called or still call Maine home are represented in the museum’s collection, including the three generations of Wyeth painters, whose work captured so much of quintessential America. The acclaimed painters, especially James and N.C. Wyeth, are featured in the museum’s Wyeth Center. An addition to the original museum has a memorable collection of paintings and drawings by Andrew Wyeth.

Museums in Rockland aren’t just dedicated to fine art. The Maine Lighthouse Museum maintains a collection of artifacts from lighthouses and the lifesaving service they once helped support. Back on Main Street, the Island Institute is a working link between Midcoast Maine and the state’s famed network of coastal islands. Rockland Ferry Services, whose dock is accessed from Main Street, connects the city with Vinalhaven and North Haven islands.

There’s also plenty of good Maine fun to be had along Main Street. Galleries display new and emerging artists, while restaurants and cafes are gathering spots for both local residents and visitors. Popular annual festivals include the two-day North Atlantic Blues Festival in July and the multi-day Maine Lobster Festival, featuring food, crafts and the Great Lobster Crate Race in August. Not to be missed in December is the Festival of Lights, with the lighting of the Lobster Trap Tree and the a parade of lighted floats down Main Street.

While you’re here, don’t miss the chance to wander off Main Street and see some of this old shipbuilding and railroading center’s neighborhoods. You’ll see why Rockland was recognized in 2012 among the Best Old House Neighborhoods, by the TV show of the same name.

Nighttime photo courtesy of Dave Clough Photography

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Cox 25th Street Detail 22 of 25 min

Ogden, Utah – 25th Street

Main Streets 2016: Utah

Ogden is anything but the traditional image you may have of Utah. That’s especially so when you zoom in on historic 25th Street.

The colorful story of this American main street begins in 1869 with the opening of Ogden’s first Union Station at 25th Street and Wall Avenue. Tracklayers for the Union Pacific Railroad reached town shortly before completing the nation’s first transcontinental railroad, with the driving of the famed “Golden Spike” at the joining of the Central Pacific and Union Pacific tracks in nearby Promontory Summit. Ogden became a boom town, a major railroad junction on both the east-west and north-south routes — and its current Union Station, opened in 1924, is the third railroad depot at the same location.

Built in Spanish Colonial Revival style, the station now houses four museums, including the Utah State Railroad Museum. Featured there are two large murals that depict progress from both directions toward the driving of the Golden Spike, plus fascinating exhibits on railroading, with several historic locomotives on display, and on firearms, classic cars and model railroads.

By the early 20th century, 25th Street had become known as “Notorious Two Bit Street” and “Electric Alley,” with brothels, gang rivalries and all sorts of scandalous activities. Nearly a hundred years later, visitors see a very different scene. Many of the street’s original buildings are still standing, so the history is here — but the tone is much different. In fact, Forbes magazine recognized the Ogden-Clearfield metropolitan area as one of the country’s fastest growing cities and best places to raise a family. Ogden also recently made headlines when Newsweek ranked it first in the nation for economic equality.

The Ogden area attracts droves of visitors, and many head out to go skiing, canoeing or kayaking, mountain hiking, fishing or exploring some of the nearby national parks. But 25th Street offers its own rich array of attractions, from diverse and colorful shopping, and some of Utah’s best dining, to lively nightlife. Popular events include downtown’s monthly First Friday Art Stroll, and free Jazz at the Station each Wednesday.

Stroll down historic 25th Street, and you’ll discover the vibrancy and fun of a community that treasures its colorful past — and has built a magnetic, thriving present.

All photos courtesy of Kim Bowsher – kbent LLC Media Group

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