MAIN STREET LOOKING EAST FROM MYRICK

This postcard is looking East in the 500 block of West Main Street from Myrick Avenue. The spelling of “Myrick” with a “y” is different than the way it is spelled today using an “i” - Mirick. Interestingly the earliest mention of the street name was published in the Sunday Gazette newspaper using both spellings. On the right side of this street would be where the current Main Street Mall is located and on the left side, Gray’s Jewelers and Pop Around the Corner. Notice the advertising for Coca-Cola and the W.H. Halton building for coffins, caskets and moulding.

Rusk Avenue, looking North, Denison

“This 1912 view of Rusk Avenue shows the Ford Building (right) and the Madden Building (left). Madden’s Department Store began in 1896, with J.W. Madden as proprietor. The business served as an important Denison establishment for decades. St. Patrick Catholic Church (center right) is seen prior to the fire and the subsequent rebuilding of the church in 1911-1913.”  

 - Postcard History Series by Brian Hander

main street, denison, texas

“In the early 1900’s, many amenities were added to Main Street to enhance the aesthetic appeal of downtown. Streetcars frequented the urban core, bringing patrons from all points of the city. New electric and gas lamps were installed to light the street at night, and parking spaces were occupied by automobiles rather than horses and buggies.”  

 - Postcard History Series by Brian Hander

Main street looking east, denison, texas

"The Ford Building (left, with turret) is more easily seen in this image, which displays the structure’s elegant design. The building, erected in 1891 at 231 West Main Street, was one of the largest structures in Denison’s young business district. Draughon’s College occupied much of the Ford Building beginning in the late 1890’s. It also served as home of Citizen’s National Bank before its demolition in 1559-1960.”  - Postcard History Series by Brian Hander

Union depot Denison, texas

“Denison’s new Union Passenger Station, located at 101 East Main Street, was constructed between 1909 and 1911 at an astounding cost of $250,000. The Beaux-Arts Revival building features a two- and three-story brick facade, complimented by red granite and terra-cotta trim. The center facade rises to a height of three stories and is flanked by two-story wings. The main entrance, featuring a massive Roman-arch entry with multiple doors and windows, is flanked by oversized pilasters, which help to support the massive entablature and cornice. The main part of the building contained a restaurant, drugstore, and other businesses, as well as room for departing passengers. The smaller part of the building (left) was used as offices for the railroad. At its peak, the station hosted 52 arriving and departing passenger trains every 24 hours.”  

 - Postcard History Series by Brian Hander 

The restored depot facility remains, now housing the Red River Railroad Museum, art galleries and other businesses. The site also serves as a popular wedding and event venue. 

bird's eye view of denison, texas

“Another view of Denison’s many homes is offered in this postcard, looking northeast from the roof of the Educational Institute. An earlier version of the Baptist Church building can be seen at center left; the house at far left is still standing to this day. It is easy to see the proximity of the housing and business districts; some homes were built directly across the alley from Main Street businesses.”  

 - Postcard History Series by Brian Hander

DENISON, TEXAS 1873

Bird's-eye perspective map of Denison, Texas published in 1876 by artist, by J.W. Pearce.

DENISON, TEXAS 1876

Bird's-eye perspective map of Denison, Texas published in 1876 by artist, D.D. Morse.

DENISON, TEXAS 1886

Bird's-eye perspective map of Denison, Texas published in 1876 by artist, by Henry Wellge (1850-1917).