Before, during, after
By Barbara Soderlin
Like I wrote yesterday, I’m doing a story on the new First Chance, Last Chance Games at 508 Main St. Here are two pictures Clancy Kingsbury gave me of the property during its historic saloon days and right before he bought it. The third picture I just took out of the second floor of the Journal. Yep, I’m working hard.
Clancy didn’t know much history on this building. Anyone else know? The photographer’s inscription says something that looks like Ben P.R. Roosh, 2-95, but the building was built in 1908 so I’m not sure what it means:
Remember this? Uh, me neither:
Here it is as of 20 minutes ago. There will be a black roll-up awning installed soon, along with a sign reminiscent of the original sign.
November 3rd, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Ben P.R. Roosh was (is ?) a local fellow who discovered a huge trove of old photos 15 or 20 years ago. He sold lots of copies all around town. Up until a few months ago, some great old photos of downtown 100 or more years ago from his collection adorned the walls of the downtown Hardee’s. They remodeled - don’t know what happened to the pix.
Interesting, thanks Kelly! Does anyone out there have any of these pictures?
November 3rd, 2009 at 11:54 pm
Worst. Location. Ever. Seriously, what was he thinking putting a game store, for kids/teens, right next to Video Blue, a store for adults?
It doesn’t bother me, Jon. I’m pretty sure they card you to get into Video Blue (I’ve never been to Video Blue, but I know that’s the case at other similar stores… or so my friends say…). It’s also right next to Native American Office Supplies. I don’t think the teen gamers are suddenly going to go buy a bunch of Native American office supplies. I’m sure there are people who would like Video Blue not to be downtown, but having worked across the street from it for two years now, I have never seen any problems caused by it being there. I have actually never seen anyone go in or out of it. Sort of like Willie Wonka’s Chocolate Factory… I wouldn’t put it right next door to an elementary school or something like that but I don’t think it will be a problem. Teen gamers are probably more likely to find “adult” material online than they are to try to sneak into an adult bookstore on Main Street in full view of everyone. But, maybe I’m wrong. Other opinions?
November 4th, 2009 at 8:16 am
508 Main IS Video Blue–it sounds like it is being remodeled for this First Chance Last Chance game store. Maybe it has been closed for several months and that is why you haven’t seen any traffic going in and out.
Sandy, Video Blue used to be at both 508 and 510 Main. Now it is just at 510 and First Chance Last Chance Games is at 508.
November 4th, 2009 at 9:50 am
I don’t see a problem with the location either as far as Video Blue is concerned. What I do wish is that Video Blue would do something about the appearance of their facility. It looks so cheap in the downtown area. It must be making a profit, or it wouldn’t be in business anymore; however, it probably would still make a profit, maybe even make more, if it would enhance the outside of their building to be more in line with the historical environment of the downtown area. It just doesn’t look like it belongs there.
November 5th, 2009 at 11:00 pm
why do people have a problem with video blue when there is store next to wilson elementry that sells beer .. some states and or cities have laws where you cant put up a place that sell beer next to schools.
Are you thinking of the liquor store at the corner of Mount Rushmore Road and St. Cloud St.? It’s more than 500 feet from Wilson. Plus I think an elementary student would have a hard time using a fake ID. I’ve been carded there.
November 6th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
it is loaf n jug right next to wilson park and school.. i know they cant buy it… but it is still in there back yard..