Main Street, Smithville, Texas around 1940 (and Today)

This picture was from a postcard sent to my Mom in 1942, depicting Main Street in Smithville, Texas.  I estimate that the picture is from about 1940, but that is a guess based on the model year of the cars I recognize... looks like a 1935 Ford in front of Trousdale's, and maybe a 1939 Chevy parked in front of Vacek's.  If you've got information about what year this was or any other comments, I'd love to hear them at: prez@groundstrike.com.

One day I was downtown with my camera, and I got the urge to shoot the same view some 72 years later. I didn't have the original picture with me, so I guesstimated where I should stand. I'm just a GWC ("guy with camera", as opposed to a "photographer") so focal length and depth-of-field didn't cross my mind, but they probably should have for best effect. Still, it's cool, if you'll move your mouse on and off the picture.  If you're on a tablet, touch the picture.  You may have to reload the page to see the 1940 version again.

A poignant note: I took the 2012 picture on a Sunday, and when I was reviewing the pictures I noticed the only business still in operation 72 years later, at the same location, was the First State Bank. Ironically, on Monday, First State Bank was gone and in its place was First Victoria. Truly the end of an era.

Click here to see a high-resolution version of the 1940 picture that you can enlarge in your browser.

- Sam Juliano, Jan. 2013