Hometown Sketchbook: Preston's Main Street In Transition

Researched and Directed by Newell Hart - with Artists
Gregory Sievers, Martin Illi and Others.
 
(Forward by Newell Hart)
 
I first conceived the idea of showing Preston's growth, building by building, during the Bi-Centennial in 1976. There was a problem: I wasn't an artist. So it took five years to round up artists and complete this intriguing project. Some of the native artists, had I (and they themselves!) known how consistent was their talent, no doubt could have finished the entire endeavor.
In pondering Preston matters, from kidhood during World War One till our Centennial Year of 1981, I seem to remember scores of places operating for the fun or gastric enjoyment of our people ... a dozen dancing places in the business section, about the same number of cafes, maybe ten candy kitchens at different sites, nine or more taverns or saloons, four movie houses, several billiard parlors. Not all at once, of course, yet enough of each at the same time to prompt questions: Were we more fun-loving back then, or what?
How many of the above do we have now? Dancing places? Cafes? Candy kitchens? Taverns or lounges? Movie theatres? Billiard parlors? Very few, according to the sketchbook.
In doing this visual history we found we couldn't keep up with all the newness. Strange hooded fronts descend over a facade to obliterate that which was known and loved like a friend. We stare at something progressive, but it is a stranger - and by the time we get used to it, even loving it a little, it has changed again; an unknown visitor with a blank face, uninterested in acquiring tradition or meaning. And rarely can be seen the human mark of a maker.
 
Many Enterprises Begin
 
Why does Preston inspire so many unfinished dreams? "I'm going to open a craft shop!" "I'm going to start up a real restaurant." "I'm going to ...*
Who remembers the Red Lion Inn? Evans' Shooting Gallery? Baron Woolen Mills? Chicken Chateau? The Petite Shoppe? Taco Time? Four Seasons Supply? When I scan the old dusty records, I find that today is not unique - and maybe even Preston isn't, either. I run into dozens of old store or shop names that made advertising splashes, all hoping to remain established at least as long as Foss Furniture. But I can't even remember their names now. They didn't fail, really - their spirit carries on. So ... all the new ones: Skateland Roller Rink, Armadillo, Miller's Glass, Caribou Saddlery, the various Tack Shops, Mary's Place, Kitty's Kave – bless ‘em, may they prevail!
Photos of the contemporary business houses were provided for the artists. How many changed their facade or quit business before the sketches could be finished? Idaho Appliance & Sport and Anderson Lumber remodeled their fronts. Mode O' Day removed the old Isis-Mereda marquee. The Shoe Store added a small, handsome shake awning. But gone are Foss Clothing (after 75 years!), Swann Saddlery, Winston's Tire Shop, Royal Home Decor, Sample Shack, Magnavox, B & E Knittery, Beneficial Finance, Mel's Drug (this due to the owner's death). And others.
So here's the town from Back Then till now. What will it be like in 2031?