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Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission

Mount Vernon Historic Preservation Commission

Exploring the Stories and History of Mount Vernon, Iowa

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    • Ash Park District
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      • Commercial District Description
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    • Mount Vernon Photos
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    • Mount Vernon / Lisbon Newspapers (1860 – 2012)
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    • 2023 Play: “Treasure”
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Commercial District – Photos

Photo of Painting of Downtown Southside Sun Newspaper by Mark Benesh

If you want to see where it all began, take a stroll through the Commercial District. Mount Vernon began as a town which serviced travelers along the first north-south highway in the state: Highway One. The town consisted of dry goods stores, repair shops for wagons and harnesses, and a watering trough at the intersection of Main Street and Highway One. This intersection was the birthplace of Mount Vernon.

Today the Commercial District harbors several outstanding restaurants, antique shops, and boutiques. The district also serves as headquarters for many of Mount Vernon’s quintessential events—Chalk the Walk, Chili Cook-Off, Magical Night—so stop by! No matter the season, there’s always something exciting happening in the Commercial District.


Possible Parade

photo of Possible Parade

Could be end of a student parade. Note dirt street and board sidewalk – interurban … Read more …

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Ask R Thomas, Commercial Historic District, Glass Negative, Lincoln Highway, Main Street, Mount Vernon

Decoration Day

photo of Decoration Day

Decoration Day parade. Note board sidewalks, dirt street, prior to construction of Odd Fellows building … Read more …

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Children, Commercial Historic District, Fashion, Glass Negative, Lincoln Highway, Main Street, Men, Mount Vernon, Who am I?, Women

Feed and Seed Sales Office

photo of Feed and Seed Sales Office

Demolished at unknown date (old Feed and Seed Sales office. Building to the right is … Read more …

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Commercial Historic District, Glass Negative, Lincoln Highway, Main Street, Mount Vernon

Main Street

photo of Main Street

From A Ave NE looking west; Note interurban track and power line and dramatic changes … Read more …

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Commercial Historic District, Glass Negative, Lincoln Highway, Main Street, Mount Vernon

Main Street

photo of Main Street-1892

East Main Street before livery barn was built. Hardware sign on right. Early picture @ … Read more …

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Commercial Historic District, Glass Negative, Lincoln Highway, Main Street, Mount Vernon

Funeral Procession

photo of Funeral Procession

Funeral procession for World War I veteran Joseph Dvorak @ 1921. (Date changed from 1921 … Read more …

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Children, Commercial Historic District, Fashion, Glass Negative, Lincoln Highway, Main Street, Men, Mount Vernon, Who am I?, Women

Interurban Line

photo of Interurban Line

Interurban line – down First Street in winter and summer with parts of a ticket … Read more …

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Commercial Historic District, Lincoln Highway, Main Street, Mount Vernon

Old Bank Building

photo of Old Bank Building

Lincoln Highway banner. Date @2000

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Commercial Historic District, Glass Negative, Lincoln Highway, Main Street, Mount Vernon, The New Age

Main Street

photo of Main Street-1920

Lincoln Highway era; Interurban tracks and brick paving; unusual good photo of First Street West … Read more …

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Commercial Historic District, Glass Negative, Lincoln Highway, Main Street, The New Age

Unidentified Women

photo of Unidentified Women-1912

Four unidentified female on main street Mt Vernon. (note Bauman store — new Date @1912

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Commercial Historic District, Fashion, Glass Negative, Lincoln Highway, Main Street, Mount Vernon, Pastimes, Who am I?, Women

Citizens State Bank of Mount Vernon

photo of Citizens State Bank of Mount Vernon

Key Structure in Commercial District (NRHP) 1915 became Citizens State Bank of Mt Vernon; Closed … Read more …

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Commercial Historic District, Lincoln Highway, Main Street, Mount Vernon, The New Age

Main Street

photo of Main Street @1968

North side of the 100 block on 1st Street West (main street) Mount Vernon. Date … Read more …

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Commercial Historic District, Lincoln Highway, Main Street, Mount Vernon, The New Age
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