Back in Time, May 11
May 11—Mitchell Main Street looking North from 2nd and Main Circa 1940s
A busy Main Street showed a prosperous city with many businesses occupying the street. On the west side of main sat Gambles boasting auto supplies at 201 N Main; the Time Theatre at 203; Schirmer Pharmacy at 205; Medical Arts with many offices; Dahle at 207; Kresge 5 & 10 cent; Toggery men's clothing at 211; Geyermans women's clothing at 213; Oriental Chocolate Shop at 215; Mitchell National Bank at 217; and J.C. Pennys at 221-23. On the east side of the street sat Larrison Brothers drug store at 200 N Main; Red Owl grocery store at 204-06; Newberry 5 & 10 at 208; Becker's Clothing at 212; Burg Shoes at 216; Grigg Men's Clothing at 220; and Commercial Trust and Savings Bank at 222.
Notice the competition on going on between the theatres. On the left of the picture is a banner on the Time Theatre advertising a Midnite Show at 11:30. They were showing Cecil B. DeMille's 1939 production of Land of Freedom movie that dealt with the history of the United State from pre-revolution through 1939. Not to be outdone, the Roxy Theatre located on Lawler is advertising a Midnight Show at 11:15 with a banner hanging from the roof between the drug store and the Red Owl grocery store. They have an arrow pointing to the theatre as well as a large sign on the top of the building pointing to the location. That small booth on top of the building also belonged to the Roxy and was used to advertise shows by broadcasting over a loud speaker.
