Christian Union Church
The Christian Union Church was organized on October 21, 1870 by Dr. Thomas Kerr. The church was built at the corner of Mulberry and N. Main Streets, and the cornerstone was laid on September 18, 1888. During the depression, the congregation decided to sell the church and its property, subsequently moving to a new location. The original church building is no longer standing.
circa 1895 - 1905
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
88.122.624
First Presbyterian Church
A beautiful color photograph showing the street corner with a stoplight in front of the First Presbyterian Church. On the back: "406 North Main Street at Park Avenue, Rockford, Illinois 61103. Telephone (815) 968-0478."
Color-View, Inc., Rockford, Ill.
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
2009.1.457
First Presbyterian Church, Rockford, Ill.
Black and white photograph of First Presbyterian Church located at North Main Street and Park Avenue.
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
85.109.415
First Presbyterian Church, Rockford, Ill.
This black and white rendering of the church sits atop a message between sisters dated March 12, 1907 and postmarked from Rockford IL. First Presbyterian Church is located at the corner of North Main Street and Park Avenue in downtown Rockford.
Postmarked 1907
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
85.109.421
First Presbyterian Church, Rockford, Ill.
A color photograph at an angle, depicting the front and one side of the First Presbyterian Church at the corner of North Main Street and Park Avenue. This card is postmarked from Rockford IL on June 16, 1915.
A. C. Bosselman & Co., New York
Postmarked 1915
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
85.109.413
First Presbyterian Church, Rockford, Ill.
A color photograph showing the trees surrounding First Presbyterian's red brick building at the corner of North Main Street and Park Avenue in downtown Rockford.
Curt Teich Company (C. T. Co.), Chicago, Illinois
Circa 1900-1908
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
85.109.418
First Presbyterian Church, Rockford, Ill.
A color rendering of First Presbyterian's red brick building surrounded by trees at the corner of North Main Street and Park Avenue.
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
85.109.417
Christian Science Church, Rockford, Ill.
This color rendering shows the classical style of this church building with its six-columned portico. The church is located at 515 North Main Street. This card is postmarked from Rockford IL on July 22, 1914 with a one cent postage stamp.
Acmegraph Co., Chicago, Illinois
Postmarked 1914
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
85.109.379
Christian Science Church and Park, Rockford, Ill.
This color photograph displays the building's classical lines and dome as well as a good portion of the grounds. The church is located at 515 North Main Street. This card is postmarked from Rockford IL in 1915 with a one cent postage stamp.
Postmarked 1915
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
85.109.385
New Mendelssohn Hall, Rockford, Ill.
A color photograph showing Rockford's New Mendelssohn Hall at its new location of 216-220 North Main Street.
S. H. Knox and Company
Postmarked 1913
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
85.109(I).589
Main Street, Looking South, Rockford, Ill.
The Palace Theatre, advertising "Vaudeville," takes up a huge portion of this block at 111-117 North Main Street with early vintage automobiles lining the curb. The Palace Theatre opened in 1915 a few doors down from the Orpheum Theatre.
C. T. (Curt Teich) American Art
Circa 1915-1928
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
81.136.193
Orpheum Theatre, Rockford, Ill.
This postcard shows the Orpheum Theatre, promoting "Vaudeville," at 118 North Main Street. There are advertisements for featured entertainment on the sidewalk by the lobby entrance. Note the bicycle by the curb far left. The Orpheum was located just a few doors from the Palace Theatre.
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
2015.38.1
Interior of Orpheum Theatre from the Stage, Rockford, Ill.
This photograph, taken from the Orpheum's stage, looks out at the interior of the plush theater with its many rows of floor seating, balconies to the sides and above, and the richly appointed chandelier above. The Orpheum Theatre was located at 118 North Main Street just a few doors from the Palace Theatre..
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
2015.38.4
Orpheum Theatre, Rockford, Ill.
This postcard, depicting the Orpheum Theatre at 118 North Main Street just a few doors from the Palace Theatre, displays a sign that promotes "Lew Fuller in the Beauty Shop." Note the horse and buggy to the right of the streetlamp. The name "Ed Homer" is marked on the back of the postcard.
Circa 1907-1912
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
85.109(I).591
Main Street.
This photograph is part of a collection of mounted book or newspaper photos. This photo shows Main Street looking north from State Street.
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
90.44.2i
Times Theater.
Construction of the Times Theater, 226 N. Main Street, underway in a winter scene with bundled pedestrians crossing the street.
1937-12-16
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
2004.33.1
Construction of Sears.
This photograph depicts a dump truck unloading at the curb of the Sears construction site, 711 N. Main, looking north up that street.
C. H. Brooks, commercial photographer, 1511 Post Avenue, Rockford, Illinois
1955-11-29
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
2012.16.15
Construction of Sears.
Sidewalk and utility construction for the Sears building project, 711 N. Main, looking south along that street toward the Coronado Theatre.
C. H. Brooks, commercial photographer, 1511 Post Avenue, Rockford, Illinois
1955-12-02
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
2012.16.17
Construction of Sears.
A black and white photograph depicting work between street and curb for the Sears building project on N. Main Street.
C. H. Brooks, commercial photographer, 1511 Post Avenue, Rockford, Illinois
1955-12-09
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
2012.16.20
Construction of Sears.
A depiction showing sidewalk and utility construction for the Sears building project in front of the Illinois National Guard Armory (right), which was next door and just south of Sears. Notice Albert Carlson Used Cars, 612 N. Main Street, on the left.
C. H. Brooks, commercial photographer, 1511 Post Avenue, Rockford, Illinois
1955-12-14
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
2012.16.22
Construction of Sears.
This view looks across N. Main Street at the Sears building and workers at the curb in front of the store's parking lot at 711 N. Main Street.
C. H. Brooks, commercial photographer, 1511 Post Avenue, Rockford, Illinois
1955-12-15
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
2012.16.23
Construction of Sears.
This photograph captures the emerging west facade of the Sears building facing Main Street at 711 N. Main.
C. H. Brooks, commercial photographer, 1511 Post Avenue, Rockford, Illinois
1955-12-21
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
2012.16.24
Construction of Sears.
This photograph looks north along Main Street toward the Sears store (right), 711 N. Main Street, under construction.
C. H. Brooks, commercial photographer, 1511 Post Avenue, Rockford, Illinois
1955-12-21
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
2012.16.25
Construction of Sears.
This photograph, looking across N. Main Street, depicts the west facade of the Sears store under construction. Note the Sears Roebuck sign in front of the bare trees to the left of the building.
C. H. Brooks, commercial photographer, 1511 Post Avenue, Rockford, Illinois
1955-11-16
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
2012.16.6
Auburndale Cash Grocery.
This black and white photograph shows the Auburndale Cash Grocery, 1436 N. Main Street, from across Main Street. Several people pose outside the building and signs advertising products are displayed on the store's front, particularly for Old Dutch Cleanser. For a slightly closer view, see photo 83.45.72.
circa 1900-1915
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
80.137.5
Auburndale Grocery.
This black and white photograph depicts the Auburndale Cash Grocery at 1436 N. Main Street. Several people pose outside the building and signs advertising products are displayed on the store's front, particularly for Old Dutch Cleanser. For an additional view, see photo 80.137.5.
circa 1900-1915
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
83.45.72
Orpheum Theater.
The marquee of the Orpheum Theater, 118 N. Main Street, advertises, "Lew Fuller in The Beauty Shop." A man stands within the box office entrance, and a horse-drawn buggy is near an ornate street lamp. The theater was torn down between 1936 and 1937, replaced by a building housing S. H. Kress & Co., 116-118 N. Main.
circa 1908
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
87.3.6b
American Insurance Company.
Depiction of the stately and columned American Insurance Company at 302 N. Main Street in Rockford's downtown district. For an additional view, see photo 2010.73.13..
circa 1926
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
88.122.28
Aerial View of North Main Street.
The roof of Memorial Hall can be seen in the middle background. At the corner is believed to be the People's Church of the Christian Union Unity Hall ( early location of the Unitarian Church). At the extreme right is the domed roof of the Public Library. Waterworks tower is seen rising above the Rock River in the distance.
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
2010.73.1
National Guard Armory.
This color photograph depicts the National Guard Armory building on N. Main Street.
circa mid-20th century
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
2016.1.296
Ashton's.
A view of Ashton's building on the corner of N. Main and W. State Streets in downtown Rockford.
circa 1920s
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
85.109(I).905.121
Ashton's on West State Street.
A view of downtown Rockford showing Ashton's Dry Goods Store, 301-305 W. State Street, at the corner of W. State and N. Main Streets.
circa 1920s
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
85.109(I).905.134
Rockford Motor Hotel.
This black and white photograph depicts the Rockford Motor Hotel, 317-319 N. Main Street, which opened ca. 1928, billed as a facility offering services for auto storage, washing, greasing, and a filling station. Next door is Wendt Drug Store (John F.) at 311 N. Main.
circa 1928-1940s
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
2007.92.6
Bird's-Eye View Looking North.
This black and white bird's-eye view shows Wyman Street, with the Water Works tower and the public library's dome, to the right, and N. Main Street on the left with the Coronado Theatre's sign in the distance.
circa 1939
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
2007.92.28
300 Block, North Main Street.
A black and white photograph depicting the Rockford Motor Hotel, 317-319 N. Main Street, which opened ca. 1928, billed as a facility providing auto storage, washing, and greasing as well as a filling station. Next door is Wendt Drug Store (John F.) at 311 N. Main, and on the corner is the Book Shop.
circa 1928-1930s
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
2007.92.5
300 Block, North Main Street.
A black and white photograph depicting the Rockford Motor Hotel, 317-319 N. Main Street, which opened ca. 1928, billed as a facility providing auto storage, washing, and greasing as well as a filling station. Next door is Wendt Drug Store (John F.) at 311 N. Main, and on the corner is the Book Shop. For an additional view, see photo 2007.92.5.
circa 1928-1930s
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
2007.92.4
Salamone & Sons Grocery and Meats.
A photograph of a man cutting meat at Salamone & Sons, 409 W. State Street. Apparently this thriving business had several other locations at this time: 1434 N. Main St.; 515 E. State St.; 612 W. State; and 5533 N. 2nd St. in Loves Park, IL. The sons of Mary M. Salamone, widow of Carl, include Carl J. Jr., Anthony V., Peter B., and Samuel.
1948-04
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
2007.29.1
Tebala Temple.
A photograph depicting the huge stage and the expansive hall that comprised the Tebala Temple building at 327 N. Main Street.
Herzog - Rockford.
circa 1930s
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
2009.21.12
Illinois Bell Telephone Company.
A black and white photograph showing a seated telephone company employee overseen by a supervisor. The Illinois Bell Telephone Co. was located at 216 N. Main Street in downtown Rockford IL.
Illinois Bell Telephone Co. Photo
circa 1960s
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
2007.1.41
Coronado Theatre.
This photograph displays the ornate lobby of the Coronado Theatre, 314 N. Main St., Rockford IL. On the left is a board showing theater attractions.
Herzog, Rockford, Illinois.
circa mid-20th century
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
2009.50.24
Salute at West State and North Main Streets.
Two uniformed soldiers salute the crowds watching this unidentified parade in front of Ashton's Dry Goods at the corner of W. State and N. Main Streets.
early 20th century
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
85.109(I).901.57
Shriners Parade.
Two Shriners in a small cart lead this parade north on Main Street at the corner of Jefferson Street. The Elks Lodge is visible at the left and Woolworths is down the street (extreme right).
1967-05-24
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
2013.8.7
Preparing to Take the Family for a Bicycle Ride
Henry B. Utter, in the rear seat, and another boy sit on a trailer attached to the back of a bicycle. They are in front of the Utter home at 972 North Main Street. The bike trailer was made in the Utter Manufacturing Company factory.
circa 1900
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
79.126.4
First Presbyterian Church 75th Anniversary
First Presbyterian Church, located at 406 North Main Street. The church was formed in 1854. A simple building called the "Little Brown Church" was used until a permanent building was built in 1862 on West State Street. A larger building was dedicated in 1908 at the current location on North Main Street. Due to a shrinking congregation and increasing costs, the church merged with Second Congregational Church in 2011
circa 1929
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
87.17.2
First Presbyterian Church
Looking west at First Presbyterian Church, located at 406 North Main Street. The church was formed in 1854. A simple building called the "Little Brown Church" was used until a permanent building was built in 1862 on West State Street. A larger building was dedicated 1908 at the current location on North Main Street. Citing a shrinking congregation and increasing costs, the church merged with Second Congregational Church in 2011.
circa 1960
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
2013.66.35
Aerial of Whitney Metal Tool Company
Aerial view of the Whitney Metal Tool Company at 2833 Huffman Boulevard in Rockford, Illinois. The company became a subsidiary of Roper Industries in 1961 and changed its name to Roper Whitney Inc. in 1970. To the left is Overdene Street. Behind Whitney Metal Tool is Latham Street and another Industrial Building. Beyond this unidentified building is North Main Street.
Whitney Metal Tool Company
circa 1970
Midway Village Museum
jpeg
Still Image
2017.43.1119
Italianate Home
Possibly Wait Forbes Talcott home at 839 North Main Street. Elaborate porches are at both the front and back of the house. This house has horizontal siding, and an Italianate architectural style.
circa 1905
Midway Village Museum
Still Image
79.188.90
Apartment Living
Aerial view looking east of the Whitman Street bridge over the Rock River. Rock River Towers is prominent at the left of the bridge. Rock River Towers, built in 1962 at 901 Main Street, provides apartment living to city residents.
circa 1970s
Midway Village Museum
Still Image
2009.50.1
Rock River Towers
Aerial view of the Whitman Street bridge looking east over the Rock River. Rock River Towers is to the left of the bridge at the river edge. The cloverleaf interchange is for Second Street.
May 1963
Midway Village Museum
Still Image
2009.50.4
Residential Areas Close to Shopping
Aerial view looking southwest. Riverside Boulevard bridge is at the far right center. North Towne Mall, located at the corner of Riverside Boulevard and North Main Street, opened in 1956 as an enclosed strip mall with the Rockford-based department store Charles V. Weise and Company as the anchor store. Martin Memorial Park, located at 5600 Park Ridge Road, Loves Park, is south east of the Riverside Boulevard bridge.
May 1963
Midway Village Museum
Still Image
2009.50.7