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Friday, 30 July 2010 08:04

Written by Diana Nelson Jones

I am so map crazy that, if I didn’t pay attention to the time, I’d likely be left on the mezzanine of the County Office Building slumped over a plat map with the lights out and the staff gone for the night.

Yesterday, I spent the day researching the history of old storefronts, especially in neighborhoods or along corridors that have largely been abandoned of commerce over the years. I started with my own neighborhood because I could and because I have noticed, while walking my ‘hood, that there are a surprisingly large number of properties that obviously once were stores and are now homes. People might be amazed to know what kinds of characters once walked through their doors.

Unfortunately, the plat maps don’t show the names of the commercial entities unless they are very large, like the Italo-French Produce Co. shown in this photo of a section of the Central Northside. (The street running through the center ofthe picture is Sampsonia Way.) It appears that this produce company may have been in the building that's now the Mattress Factory museum. I think the map was from 1925.

My quest is for maps that show the names of stores, shops, bars and restaurants. I am looking at specific corridors but would like to see any maps with these details. If you are reading this and can help me or know someone who can help me further my research, please don’t be a stranger. Comment here or call me at 412.263.1626.

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