Looking South on Clark Street

The following article and picture were originally found in an Aug. 28, 1952, issue of the Lowell Tribune (page 19, columns 2-4). A clearer image of this photo is on the Lowell History CD-Rom compiled by Gregory Jancosek. This CD-Rom contains photos from the Richard Schmal collection and the Lowell Public Library collection, as well as photos from other sources.

First building on the left is the Grand Theatre, erected by Bill Taylor about 1910. He also built and operated a butcher shop where the Anco Television and Radio shop is now (old post office building). A dwelling (where the Calvin Jordans now reside) stands between the theatre and the Tribune building. The little tree next to it is now a mighty maple. John McMann moved into the second little cottage on the right, or west, side of Clark street in 1917 and recalls that the high fence (shown in the right corner) was Ackerman's cow pasture. Mrs. Edith Pulver's lovely home now adorns the corner. South of McMann's was John Klein's blacksmith shop and next to it was a buggy shelter and Farmers Home saloon and restaurant (all this area is now used for parking). A buggy is seen coming down the dirt street. In 1909 Clark street was a thoroughfare of the Cobe racing circuit.

First Garage on Clark Street

Lowell's first garage was built on Clark Street just south of the Tribune (now a part of the Tribune building) by Merriman Castle in 1908.

Mr. Jancosek dates the picture to 1910, noting that a 1909 picture did not show the theater there yet, but a 1910 photo showed it being built. He further adds, "In this shot, there are no posters put up on it's north wall yet so the theater must be newly-built."