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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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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.


Hack

Hack

Description “Hack” which ran back and forth from the railroad station to the hotels at … Read more …

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

Main Street

Main Street

Description Note: excellent photo of this block before demolition and uniform set-back. (@1915) The third … Read more …

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

Unidentified Men

Unidentified Men

Description Three unidentified males/ The World Loves a Well Tailored Man Date @1910

Categories Commercial District - Photos, Mount Vernon's Historic Photos Tags Commercial Historic District, Fashion, Glass Negative, Men, Mount Vernon, Pastimes, Where is this?, Who am I?

100 Block First Street NW

100 Block First Street NW

Description 100 Block First Street NW in the Commercial District Date 1990

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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