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West Lincoln Street between Atlantic and Jackson has been one of Tullahoma’s busiest blocks since the town was founded. Though there are only a few retail businesses left now, it’s still an important hub. This week, let’s look at a couple of vintage views of that block and compare them to today’s view.

The first one, the north side of Lincoln looking west, appears to be from around the turn of the last century, based on the horse and buggy and the dirt street. Note that the buildings are brick. Close examination of the current view reveals that some of those buildings are still

The other vintage view is a section of Paul Pyle’s 1952 panoramic photo, looking east at the south side of the street. Note that the Western Auto store was on the corner where the Chamber of Commerce is now, while the Nu Way Café & Bakery was next door. A couple of furniture and appliance stores, Garland’s 5&10 (about where the Ice Cream Distillery is now), and a number of other businesses occupied the block. Appearance changes had already taken place, as Warren’s Cash Grocery’s stucco look covered up a sign for Bill’s Cash Grocery that we showed in the December 3, 2023 installment of this column.

I am searching for pictures of Davidson Academy in addition the following businesses: Lannom Manufacturing, Wilson Sporting Goods, M.R. Campbell Mfg., Tennessee Overall, Tennessee Glove, Tullahoma Brick, and any Tullahoma vehicle dealers from the 1930s through 1980s. If you have photos that I can borrow, I’ll scan and return immediately. You can contact me at alanmayes@lighttube.net.